Plant Disease Diagnostician (Public Service Assistant)

University of Georgia; Griffin (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Plant Disease Diagnostician to operate its Plant Disease Clinic. This role involves diagnosing plant diseases, providing management recommendations, and maintaining clinic records. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Plant Pathology or a related field and experience in plant disease diagnosis. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to agricultural extension services and engage with the community. If you are passionate about plant health and eager to make a difference, this role could be perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Plant Pathology or related field is required.
• Experience in plant disease diagnosis and management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify plant diseases and provide management recommendations.
• Maintain clinic records and communicate with clients regarding samples.
• Prepare materials for diagnoses and oversee lab equipment.

Skills

Plant Disease Diagnosis

Communication Skills

Data Management

Education

Master’s degree in Plant Pathology

Graduate-level coursework in related disciplines

Tools

Sample Management System

Job description

Plant Disease Diagnostician (Public Service Assistant)

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Graduate-level academic transcripts
4. Statement addressing the candidate’s knowledge and experience in plant disease diagnosis (uploaded under Other Documents #1)
5. 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.

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.

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.

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