Plant Pathology Supervisor

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-22326-56301
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: AG Plnt Pro Div
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 56301
Position Number: 00279335
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B5
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00043951
Bureau / Division: Plant Protection Division
Worksite Address: 2301 N Cameron Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Kassandra Schuyler
Contact Email: kschuyler@pa.gov

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is actively seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Plant Pathologist Supervisor. This is an exciting opportunity for plant pathologists who are eager to enhance their diagnostic pathology expertise while stepping into a significant leadership position. If you are passionate about plant health and ready to take on new challenges in a supervisory capacity, we encourage you to submit your application today. This role not only allows you to apply your knowledge and skills but also offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of agriculture.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role entails providing leadership and coordination within the Plant Pathology Program, part of the Plant Protection Division. In this position, you will oversee the diagnosis and determination of regulatory plant diseases in the Commonwealth and provide diagnostic lab support for Plant inspection, Plant certification and Plant disease survey programs. You will develop and implement surveys to detect pathogens that pose a risk to Pennsylvania's agriculture and environment. Additionally, you will supervise professional, technical, and seasonal staff, ensuring that all activities align with program objectives and regulatory standards. Your expertise will be crucial in safeguarding the state's agricultural and environmental resources through effective disease management and prevention strategies.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 2 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Plant Pathologist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional laboratory experience in the analysis, detection, or control of plant diseases and a bachelor's degree in agricultural studies, botany, horticulture, environmental science, microbiology, or a related field that includes 15 college credits in plant sciences; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes fifteen college credits in plant sciences.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

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We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

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We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

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*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Plant Pathologist for two or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03

How many years of full-time professional laboratory experience in the analysis, detection, or control of plant diseases do you possess?

• A. 3 years or more
• B. 2 but less than 3 years
• C. 1 but less than 2 years
• D. Less than 1 year
• E. None

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05

How much graduate coursework have you completed in agricultural studies, botany, horticulture, environmental science, microbiology, or a related field that includes 15 college credits in plant sciences?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• A. 30 credits or more
• B. Less than 30 credits
• C. None

06

CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

07

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - OVERSEES PLANT DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC WORK
Oversees laboratory users in molecular and traditional diagnostic work related to plant inspection, plant certification, and plant disease survey programs. Work includes macroscopic, microscopic, serological, molecular, and bioassay tests and examinations of diseased plants to detect and identify fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses, and virus-like organisms. Develops, implements, and evaluates diagnostic techniques, policies, and procedures to ensure accurate and rapid diagnosis and detection of plant diseases.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience OVERSEEING traditional and/or molecular diagnostic work for the detection and identification of plant pathogens in a laboratory environment. My experience includes developing, implementing, and evaluating laboratory procedures and diagnostic techniques, providing technical guidance and correction to laboratory users, and interpreting results.
• B. I have experience PERFORMING traditional and/or molecular diagnostic work for the detection and identification of plant pathogens. I determined the appropriate diagnostic techniques to use and interpreted the results. I do NOT have experience developing laboratory procedures and diagnostic techniques or providing guidance and correction to other laboratory users.
• C. I have experience PERFORMING traditional and/or molecular diagnostic work for the detection and identification of plant pathogens UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A SUPERVISOR who instructed me on which diagnostic techniques to use and validated my results.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework in plant disease diagnostics.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

08

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to traditional or molecular plant pathogen diagnostic work.

The actual duties you performed related to developing procedures and diagnostic techniques.

Your level of responsibility.

09

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ADMINISTERS PROGRAMS
Develops and administers regulatory programs in the area of Plant Pathology. Performs administrative functions such as budget preparation/tracking, program review (to ensure legal compliance), employee management/supervision, allocation of resources and equipment, publication of data or reports, and communication of program activities and status to higher-level administrators.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience ADMINISTERING a REGULATORY PLANT PATHOLOGY program. I was responsible for performing or overseeing the following aspects of the program: planning, resource allocation, employee supervision, compliance, and reporting.
• B. I have experience ADMINISTERING a program OTHER THAN a regulatory plant pathology program. I was responsible for performing or overseeing the following aspects of the program: planning, resource allocation, employee supervision, compliance, and reporting.
• C. I have experience performing AT LEAST ONE of the following aspects of ANY program: planning, resource allocation, employee supervision, compliance, or reporting.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to program planning, budgeting, or business administration.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

11

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to program administration.

The type(s) of programs you administered.

Your level of responsibility.

12

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PREPARES WRITTEN MATERIALS
Prepares grant proposals and reports, scientific articles, and other written materials to document experimental methods/procedures used, results obtained, and recommendations made and to disseminate information of interest to plant inspectors, growers, other professionals in the field of plant industry, and the public.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience writing published scientific article(s) on the topic of PLANT PATHOLOGY for peer-reviewed science journals as a PRINCIPAL AUTHOR; OR I have completed a graduate-level thesis in an area of plant pathology.
• B. I have experience writing POPULAR MEDIA, such as agency brochures or newsletters, on the topic of plant pathology. I have NOT written scientific articles for publication in science journals or a graduate-level thesis on the topic.
• C. I have experience writing published scientific article(s) on a topic OTHER THAN plant pathology for peer-reviewed science journals as a PRINCIPAL AUTHOR.
• D. I have experience writing PORTIONS OF or DRAFTS of published scientific or technical articles. SOMEONE ELSE was responsible for the final product; OR I have experience writing grant proposals, technical reports, education/training materials, or popular media.
• E. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

14

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to preparing written materials.

The type(s) of written materials you prepared.

Your level of responsibility.

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PLANS AND IMPLEMENTS PLANT PATHOLOGY SURVEYS
Plans, designs, and implements state or national field or greenhouse surveys to detect emerging and economically important plant pathogens. Selects sites to be surveyed; communicates with growers/landowners to collect information on cropping/pest history and production practices; collects and directs the collection of relevant soil and/or plant samples; performs or directs necessary laboratory testing for confirmation of survey results; and interprets survey results.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A.I have experience DIRECTING the planning, design, and implementation of state or national field or greenhouse surveys to detect emerging and economically important plant pathogens.
• B. I have experience PLANNING, DESIGNING, OR IMPLEMENTING state or national field or greenhouse surveys AS PART OF A TEAM or with close guidance from a supervisor or higher authority to detect emerging and economically important plant pathogens.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework in plant pathology.
• D. I have experience planning OR implementing surveys of ANY size or scope for plant pathogens.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to planning plant pathology surveys, including the scope of the survey (state, national, private land).

The actual duties you performed related to implementing plant pathology surveys, including the scope of the survey (state, national, private land).

Your level of responsibility.

17

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Provides direction and technical assistance to field inspectors, growers, laboratory assistants/technicians, and others in the field of plant pathology. Prepares and conducts training sessions and oral presentations on topics of interest.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing direction and technical guidance to others on the topic of plant pathology; AND I have delivered training or oral presentations on ANY topic.
• B. I have experience providing direction and technical assistance to others on the topic of plant pathology. I have NOT delivered training or oral presentations.
• C. I have experience providing technical guidance to others OR delivering training or oral presentations on ANY topic.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to public speaking, communication, instructional principles and practices, or education.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

19

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to providing technical assistance, including the specific topics.

The actual duties you performed related to delivering training or oral presentations, including the specific topics.

Your level of responsibility.

20

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to a graduate-level thesis, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question