RESEARCH SCIENTIST 3, BOTANY
Botany
Career Family: RESEARCH SCIENTIST
There is no civil service exam for Research Scientist 3, Botany. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
To be eligible you bring a master's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $79,844 and $117,228.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Research Scientist series
- Research Scientist 3 — $79,844 – $117,228
- Research Scientist 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Research Scientist 1 — $100,498 – $148,187
Its top salary lands around the 63rd 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 limited supervision of a Research Scientist 1, Botany or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, implements and carries out botanical research projects designed by higher-level scientific staff for the detection and evaluation of plant pests and diseases, identifies pest and disease infestation through visual examination or laboratory testing of agricultural or horticultural crops, conducts inspections and surveys in accordance with state and federal requirements, primarily in a laboratory setting and may include field and/or office work; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Operates and maintains scientific instruments utilized for plant based analyses. Plans, surveys, inspects and monitors a wide variety of plants, to detect, identify, measure and evaluate plant diseases, insect pests and weeds. Conducts plant pathological examinations and tests in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse for the diagnosis of plant diseases, reports results, and works with supervisor to provide recommendations related to a course of control action to be taken. Maintains a reference plant herbarium for use in plant identification and training inspectors. Works with supervisor to determine appropriate control actions and regulatory alternatives to meet new plant pest and disease control problems. Prepares and submits technically sound reports of plant pest and disease control data collected. Prepares clear and accurate correspondence; maintains communication with plant growers and other regulatory agencies. May serve as a representative at various public program functions, information meetings and similar gatherings related to plant pest and disease control programs. Detects, diagnoses, and recommends methods for controlling diseases of agricultural and horticultural crops such as hemp and cannabis. Assists with providing technical recommendations to greenhouses, diagnostic laboratories, and programs concerned with plant pest and disease. Inspects seed fields for varietal purity, isolation and freedom from disease, insect damage and crops and weed contaminants. Inspect harvesting, seed handling and cleaning equipment for freedom from another varietal and/or crop contaminants. May be assigned to be a liaison with other federal and state regulatory agencies concerning plant disease situations of a regulatory nature. May be assigned to coordinate with representatives of other states or federal agencies in conducting special surveys, investigations or plant regulatory activities. Will be required to learn how 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 Master of science degree in botany, horticulture, plant pathology/biology or other appropriate plant science discipline.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in botany, horticulture, plant pathology/biology or other appropriate plant scientific analysis or research.
License
Appointees 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 insect pest and disease infestations common to Agricultural and horticultural crops. Knowledge of field survey procedures and methods of survey data analysis. Knowledge of the principles of botany and of plant pathology. Knowledge of major plant diseases, insects, pests and weeds; their origin, identification and control. Knowledge of agriculture crops, trees, plants and plant materials of economic or environmental importance including identity, distribution and culture. Ability to identify common varieties of plant materials. Ability to plan and make comprehensive inspections of soil, plant materials, and products to detect and identify plant pests and diseases. Ability to collect and compile scientifically sound, meaningful data for analysis. Ability to determine the need to arrange for destruction, treatment, or deportation of infested plant material. 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 identify a wide variety of plant diseases, insects, weeds and nematodes including the ability to carry out the examinations, tests and procedures necessary to substantiate the presence and identity of various plant pests. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to establish and maintain reports, records and files. Ability to learn how 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 the 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 if they can perform the 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 Doctorate in botany, horticulture, plant pathology/biology or other appropriate plant science discipline may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.