Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 24, 1984

Scope

This series specification describes the Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) classes used in the Department of Food and Agriculture.

Definition of Series

The Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) series describes professional work concerned with the diagnosis of plant diseases, identification of plant pathogens, and research on diseases and pathogens which may be detrimental to California agriculture. The entry level may be used in either the Pathology or Nematology Laboratory.

Incumbents in these classes are assigned to the laboratory unit where they isolate and identify casual agents of plant disease in their respective area of specialization (virology, mycology, bacteriology, nematology, physiology, or phytotoxicology); compile data on the biology, epidemiology, and economic significance of pathogens; perform applied and/or basic research on pathogens and/or diseases which may be a threat to California agriculture; develop new procedures for diagnosis and identification; prepare reports of findings to be published in recognized scientific publications; develop and maintain collections of reference cultures, literature, and photographic materials; perform field surveys for the purpose of positive identification and collection of new or unusual finds.

The term "Research", as applied to this class series, is characterized in part by the following attributes:

1. Application of the scientific method including definition of the nature and scope of the problem; development of hypotheses for study, design, and execution of experiments or investigations; analysis and interpretation of findings; and documentation and appropriate dissemination of results.

2. A requirement for the exercise of creativity and critical judgment in recognizing and selecting appropriate problems for study, in selecting or revising appropriate methods for study and analysis and in interpreting results to achieve maximum understanding of and applicability to the problem.

Entry Level

Entry into this series is from outside of State service.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation:

Level and variety of work assigned; independence of action; level of expertise in plant pathology or nematology, and corresponding economic impact, agricultural sensitivity, and complexity of the area of specialization; degree of responsibility for policy formulation and implementation; degree of supervision received and exercised; and size of staff.

Definition of Levels

Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

This is the entry and intermediate working level. At the entry level, incumbents become familiar with one of the specialty areas of plant pathology or nematology by performing a variety of the less responsible tasks. At the intermediate level, incumbents work under general supervision and perform work of average difficulty that does not include the complete range of varied or difficult assignments.

Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

This is the fully qualified journey level of the series. Under general direction, incumbents diagnose plant diseases, identify plant pathogens, and perform highly specialized and complex analysis/research on an independent basis. Incumbents also maintain reference collections and current literature in their discipline and assist in evaluating plant disease problems, and may train, and provide guidance to seasonal employees and/or laboratory technicians.

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) (Specialist)

This is the staff specialist level in the series.

As a staff specialist, incumbents perform at the senior scientific level. Incumbents, under general administrative direction, are expected to maintain a high level of expertise in their area of specialization. Incumbents also plan, organize, and conduct applied and/or basic research of the most complex nature to diagnose plant diseases or identify plant pathogens in their area of specialization.

"This class is distinguished from the Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) by the assignment of primary responsibility for the most critical, sensitive, complex, and economically significant projects; i.e.,�those involving groups of pests or diseases, including those that are on the 'Ten Most Unwanted List' developed by the Department of Food and Agriculture, that could result in the loss of livelihood for Industry throughout the State or that could destroy the primary source of products consumed throughout the nation and/or the world; that require the independent design, development, and application of applied research methodologies. Incumbents are experts in regard to certain pathogens or groups of pathogens as demonstrated by the scope of experience and publications."

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) (Supervisor)

This is the first supervisory level in the series. As a supervisor, incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the work of a small group of Plant Pathologists, technicians, and seasonal helpers in the laboratory; coordinating the work of the unit with other units and agencies; provide training and assist in the evaluations of related policies or rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree or its equivalency in Plant Pathology from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b). (Graduate students registered in a recognized college will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation with the appropriate degree before they can be considered for appointment.)

Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

Either I

Experience: One year of experience in the California state service as a Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician).

Or II

Two years of experience conducting diagnosis and research of plant diseases and pathogens gained after obtaining a master's degree; and

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree or its equivalency from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b) in Plant Pathology.

Or III

Possession of a Doctoral Degree or its equivalency from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b) in Plant Pathology.

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) (Specialist)

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) (Supervisor)

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service as an Associate Plant Pathologist.

Or II

Experience: Three years of experience conducting diagnosis and research of plant diseases and pathogens after obtaining a master's degree; and

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree or its equivalency from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b) in plant pathology. Or III Experience: One year of experience conducting diagnosis and research of plant diseases and pathogens after obtaining a doctoral degree; and

Education: Possession of a Doctoral Degree or its equivalency from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b) in plant pathology. [A minimum of five years of additional identification and research experience in plant pathology may be substituted for the doctoral degree. Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must have been in the class of Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)].

Knowledge and Abilities

Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

Knowledge of: (Although all applicants must possess knowledge of the following, it is expected that the level of sophistication, depth, sensitivity, and complexity of the area of specialization, and thoroughness of knowledge will vary as to class level.) General knowledge of all aspects of plant pathology and related fields (entomology, chemistry, physiology, etc.); knowledge of, and experience with sophisticated and complex scientific instrumentation and specialized investigative procedures and techniques for isolating, identifying and evaluating plant pathogens, various literature sources pertaining to plant pathology; agricultural, horticultural, and native plants, the relationships of plants, plant pests, and pest control to agriculture and the environment; principles and procedures of research planning, design, methodology, and analysis; methods of preparation of research reports; statistical methods and procedures; data processing techniques; problems involved in bibliographic survey of previous related research; and determination and qualification of variables and mechanization of compilation of analysis of data.

Ability to: (Although all applicants must demonstrate possession of the following abilities, it is expected that level of attainment will vary relative to the class level.) Apply and interpret provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, applicable rules and regulations. Perform increasingly complex plant pathological diagnosis.

Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and a high degree of specialization in a prescribed area of plant pathology; current research literature and trends applicable to the research area; provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code, and applicable rules and regulations.

Ability to: All of the above, and demonstrate professional competence in a specialized area of plant pathology; do highly specialized analysis and research, and train technicians and other personnel in associated tasks.

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) (Specialist)

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and participate in program development and evaluation.

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) (Supervisor)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of public administration including personnel management and supervision; Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a supervisor's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, organize, and direct the work of a small group of plant pathologists, technicians, and seasonal helpers in the Plant Pathology Laboratory; coordinate the work of this unit with other units or agencies; effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to those applicants possessing in-depth knowledge of the plant pathological specialty for which a specialist is required. A record demonstrating expertise in this specialty including publication of scientific papers, oral presentations at professional meetings, participation in seminars, etc., over and above the "Minimum Qualifications" will be given additional consideration.

Class History