Job Specification
HORTICULTURIST
DEFINITION
Under direction of a supervisory official in the Department of
Agriculture, plans programs for the detection, control, and
eradication of injurious plant pests and diseases, identifies pest and
disease infestation of nursery, greenhouse, and other horticultural
material; conducts skilled, complex inspections and surveys in accord
with state and federal requirements; does other related duties as
required.
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.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
As directed plans programs related to the detection, control, and
eradication of injurious plant pests and diseases related to nursery,
greenhouse, and other plant materials.
Conducts regulatory inspections of horticultural plants and plant
products.
Issues permits for movement of approved products to other states or
foreign countries and verifies that plants and plant products which
are moved into New Jersey from other states or foreign countries are
in accord with applicable quarantine standards.
Issues phytosantiary certificates in accord with federal, state, and
importing country regulations.
Conducts surveys and inspects horticultural plants and plant products
in assigned areas.
Collects and analyzes data on insect and disease infestation to assist
in determination of their environmental and economic impact.
Determines need and arranges for and supervises the destruction,
treatment, or deportation of infested plant quarantined products
entering New Jersey from other quarantined areas not meeting
quarantine provisions.
As directed develops integrated plant pest control programs including
the conduct of surveys, placement of biological control agents, and
application of chemical control materials.
Evaluates effectiveness of various control measures used.
Supervises producers and vendors in the proper fumigation of soil,
plant materials, and products to comply with state and federal
requirements for the particular item and as specified by quarantine
and approved methods.
Provides technical assistance and guidance to horticulturists,
trainees, and seasonal field employees.
Prepares clear, accurate reports of all types of horticultural plants
and plant products inspected and related plant industry activities
performed.
Serves occasionally as division representative at various functions,
information meetings, program seminars, and similar events.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency,
office, or related units. REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or other plant sciences which shall
have included or been supplemented by 12 semester hour credits in
horticulture.
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of professional experience in horticultural
production or inspection.
NOTE: Applicants who have successfully completed a major course
of study in horticulture or other plant science including or
supplemented by 12 semester hour credits in horticulture and who do
not possess the Bachelor's degree may substitute additional experience
for education on a year for year basis.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to qualify for a permit as a
Certified Pesticide Applicator in New Jersey.
Appointees may be required, depending on duty assignment, to take
training to qualify for state and federal approval to issue
phytosanitary certificates.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid
in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of major insect pest and disease infestations common to
nursery and greenhouse plant material.
Knowledge of plants and plant materials of economic importance in New
Jersey.
Knowledge of common varieties of plant material.
Knowledge of field survey procedures and methods of survey data
analysis.
Knowledge of chemical compounds and gases used in treatment and
fumigation of nursery stock.
Ability to identify common varieties of plant materials.
Ability to plan and make comprehensive inspections of soil, plant
materials, and products to detect and identify injurious plant pests
and diseases.
Ability to identify and inspect horticultural products and issue
phytosanitary certificates in accord with federal, state, and
importing country standards.
Ability to determine need for and supervise fumigation of soil plant
material and products to comply with state and federal quarantine
requirements.
Ability to read and understand laws, rules, and regulations of the
Department of Agriculture, New Jersey, and Federal Government relating
to plant pest control programs and methods and the movement of plant
and plant products to other states and countries.
Ability to interpret and enforce requirements of plant quarantines.
Ability to collect and compile scientifically sound, meaningful data
for analysis.
Ability to assist in the placement of biological control agents and
chemical control materials for the control of plant pests.
Ability to determine the need to arrange for destruction, treatment,
or deportation of infested plant material.
Ability to work effectively with associates, superior officers,
farmers, nursery people, college representatives, federal personnel,
and others associated with various plant inspection programs.
Ability 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 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 as long as
they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable
accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,
such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 02451 | | S | C | NE | 18 | N/A | I18 | - |
This job specification is for state government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
RKR 12/02/1997 |
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