Plant Disease Diagnostician (Public Service Assistant)

New Jersey Department of Children and Families; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Plant Disease Diagnostician to operate the Plant Disease Clinic and provide disease management recommendations for home landscapes. This role focuses on identifying plant diseases and advising clients, making it crucial for local agricultural health.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Plant Protection and Pest Management, or related discipline.
• Relevant graduate-level coursework and/or publications in plant disease diagnosis.

Responsibilities

• Identify plant diseases and their causal agents.
• Issue disease management recommendations for landscapes and turf.
• Maintain and update clinic records.

Skills

Plant disease identification

Client communication

Data management

Education

Master's degree in Plant Pathology

Job description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Minorities & Females Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 04/01/2025 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 02/18/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin on March 21, 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Alejandra Jimenez Madrid, Chair of the Search Committee ([e-mail]).
Materials to be uploaded include i) cover letter, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) graduate-level academic transcripts, iv) statement addressing the candidate's knowledge and experience in plant disease diagnosis (uploaded under Other Documents #1), and v) names and contact information of four professional references. Selected applicants will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Public Service Assistant Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Plant Protection and Pest Management, Plant Medicine, or related discipline.
Position Summary
The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) seeks to hire a Plant Disease Diagnostician to operate the Plant Disease Clinic at the Athens Campus and to provide disease management recommendations for home landscapes and home turf. This is a fiscal-year (12-month), 100% Extension position at the rank of Public Service Assistant (non-tenure track faculty position). The appointee will be a member of the Department of Plant Pathology faculty under the direction of the Department Head.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Directly, or through supervised technical support (student workers or interns), identify plant diseases and their causal agents in plant and digital image samples submitted to the Athens Plant Disease Clinic. Commodities of interest currently include primarily ornamental, landscape, turf, and homeowner/ CEA samples, as well as certain fruit samples (peaches, grapes, apples, and strawberries). Enter sample information into the sample management system and relay diagnosis results to state Extension specialists, county Extension agents, or other clients as appropriate.
2. Maintain and update clinic records, respond to inquiries, and provide data for annual reports. Communicate with clients and county Extension offices as needed regarding sample status and disposition.
3. Prepare media and other materials needed for conducting diagnoses, oversee maintenance of lab equipment, monitor clinic inventory and expenses, and order lab supplies in cooperation with other UGA diagnostic plant pathology laboratories.
4. Issue disease management recommendations for home landscape and home turf samples diagnosed in the clinic. Contribute to first reports (disease notes) and/or Extension publications related to disease diagnosis and management.

Additional Requirements Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Graduate-level coursework and/or publications related to plant disease diagnosis.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Other Documents #1
5. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents