PLANT PATHOLOGIST 1
Career Family: PLANT PATHOLOGIST
Plant Pathologist 1 sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
This is where the Plant Pathologist ladder starts, one grade under Plant Pathologist 2, whose band tops out about $13,208 higher. The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $60,876 to $88,743.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Plant Pathologist series
- Plant Pathologist 1 — $60,876 – $88,743 (this title)
- Plant Pathologist 2 — $69,668 – $101,951
Promoting to Plant Pathologist 2 raises the top of the band by about $13,208. Its top salary lands around the 30th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of the Supervising Plant Pathologist, or other supervisory officer, in the Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, participates in the implementation of plant pest and disease control projects involving scientific detection and evaluation of damage to important crops, trees and other valuable plants; conducts surveys, plant pathological and pest examinations, and phytosanitary inspections and implements regulatory control actions; does other related work.
Examples of work
- Inspects and monitors a wide variety of plants, including imported vegetable transplants, to detect, identify, measure and evaluate plant pest and disease control.
- Conducts plant pathological examinations and tests in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse to diagnose plant pest and disease
- Participates in enforcement activities including vegetable transplant importation, plant quarantine, and the suppression or eradication of designated plant pest and disease.
- Maintains reference plant pathology herbarium, and a reference culture collection, used to diagnose diseases and train inspectors.
- May provide instruction to personnel engaged in plant disease and insect surveys and control.
- Collects data on plant disease and pest survey data and prepares reports.
- Participates in recommending control actions and regulatory alternatives to address new plant pest and disease control.
- May develop a supplemental or alternative plant pest and disease control programs.
- Maintains appropriate written, photographic, computer and other records and files.
- Maintains liaison and cooperative working relationships with plant growers and others involved in plant pest and disease control.
- May represent the Department at various public program functions, information meetings and similar gatherings related to plant pest and disease control programs.
- Prepares correspondence.
- May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in plant science which shall include or be supplemented by at least 9 credit hours in plant pathology.
Experience
One (1) year of professional experience in a laboratory or field environment involving the detection, control and eradication of plant pest and disease.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of major plant pest and disease and their origin.
- Knowledge of the principles of plant pathology, and of pathological laboratory and field diagnostic methods and equipment.
- Knowledge of plant pest detection and monitoring survey methods and equipment.
- Knowledge of agriculture crops, trees, plants and plant materials of economic or environmental importance including identity, distribution and culture.
- Knowledge of the principles and application of plant pest and disease control, regulatory actions, such as plant quarantines and eradication programs.
- Ability to read and interpret State and Federal laws and regulations regarding plant pest and disease control programs and activities, and apply them to specific situations.
- Ability to diagnose a wide variety of plant diseases, including the ability to carry out the plant pathological examinations, tests and procedures necessary to substantiate the presence and identity of various kinds of plant pathogens.
- Ability to conduct program activities of plant pest and disease control, inspection, survey collection of data, data analysis, and the reporting of results, interpretations and recommendations.
- Ability to make biological control agent population measurements.
- Ability to provide instruction to field staff engaged in plant pest and disease control.
- Ability to work effectively with associates, superiors, farmers, nurserymen, college representatives, Federal personnel and others associated with the various plant survey, inspection, plant pest and disease control programs, and regulatory programs.
- Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
- Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Master's degree in plant science may be substituted for one year of experience.