RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2, BOTANY
Botany
Career Family: RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Research Scientist 2, Botany is a non-competitive state civil service title, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the stated education and experience.
Candidates need a master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $91,628 to $134,900, and state payroll currently lists about 194 people in the title, led by Health and Senior Services.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 7 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 7 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Research Scientist 2, Botany appears on the State payroll at 8 departments, most of them at Department of Health.
State departments
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
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 80th 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.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 194 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $113,615. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (109)
- Environmental Protection (54)
- Children and Families (11)
- Board of the Public Utilities (6)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 general supervision of a Research Scientist 1, Botany or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, takes the lead in designing, coordinating, and implementing complex programs and research projects 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; assumes appropriate administrative and scientific duties as delegated; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Designs, coordinates, and implements specialized research and/or analytical programs of a complex, technical nature in consultation with department staff and in accordance with existing administrative and fiscal guidelines. Takes the lead in preparing and submitting complex proposals and recommendations for scientific research in compliance with botanical research methodology and statistical techniques. Reviews and analyzes all publications and other documents pertaining to current research developments and disseminates information to research staff. oversees the control and maintenance of supplies and equipment to ensure availability for ongoing proposed research projects. Verifies the results of tests, examinations, and analyses made by technical staff. Plans and conducts plant pathological examinations and tests in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse for the diagnosis of plant diseases, reports results, and recommends a course of control action to be taken. Identifies plants to the species by using keys or analytical techniques. Serves as lead worker in assigning work to, instructing field staff, and overseeing their performance on a special project or assignment basis. Maintains a reference plant herbarium for use in plant identification and training inspectors. Recommends 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 as assigned by supervisor. 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. Provides technical recommendations to greenhouses, diagnostic laboratories, and programs concerned with plant pest and disease after coordination with supervisor. 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
Three (3) 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 valid driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials 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 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 develop, organize and lead, giving necessary training suitable for work programs and working procedures, and to evaluate their effectiveness in field and laboratory. Ability to assign and instruct technical and other staff, to verify the results of tests, examinations, and analyses made by technical staff. Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions concerning research and administrative problems. Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with personnel assigned to other units within the department and division and with others concerned with the work of the research unit. Ability to write scientifically sound articles and take active part in meetings and conferences. Ability to prepare official correspondence in connection with the research program. 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.