Job Specification
INSPECTOR PLANT INDUSTRY (BIOLOGICAL CONTROL)
DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of a supervisory officer in the Division of Plant Industry,
Department of Agriculture, performs field work of average difficulty related to the biological
control of plant pests (insects, diseases and weeds); does related work 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:
Inspects forest, ornamental and agricultural crops in order to determine the presence and
extent of plant insect, disease, and weed pests and biological control agents using
recommended inspection procedures as required.
Plants and maintains field plots of certain agricultural commodities using commercial farm
machinery or equipment in order to implement biological control programs of plant insect,
disease and weed pests when required.
Performs the field work involved in the release of biological control agents in order to control
plant pests when necessary.
Applies chemical and/or biological pesticides on field plots using backpack and/or tractor
driven sprayers in order to control plant inspect, disease and weed pests when necessary.
Conducts seasonal surveys of plant inspects, diseases and weeds injurious to farm crops,
forests, and nursery and ornamental plantings and established and/or released biological
control agents of those pests in order to monitor the fest and biological control agent
populations using recommended survey procedures, maps, and equipment as dictated
by the program objective.
Conducts inspections and reports on the findings of pest plant problems as reported by
farmers and others in order to provide a basis for biological control recommendations by
superiors.
Performs the field work involved in the collection of specimens of plant inspect and disease
pests and biological control agents in order to make accurate identification of pests and
control agents using recommended collecting techniques when required.
Prepares written reports of inspections, collections, surveys and biological pest control
activities in order to provide a reliable basis for management decisions.
Maintains essential records and files for future reference.
May 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:
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience in the planting, inspecting and spraying of agricultural plants
and the operating of heave-duty spray and farm equipment.
LICENSE:
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:
Basic knowledge of the types of forest, ornamental and agricultural crops grown in the
Northeastern United States’ in order to readily identify the plants being inspected.
Basic knowledge of the most common plant inspect and disease pests indigenous to the
Northeastern United States forest, ornamental, and agricultural crops in order to readily
identify pests encountered during inspections.
Basic knowledge of the theories and principles involved in the biological control of plant
pests.
Basic knowledge of field inspection and survey techniques in order to representatively
sample population of plant pests and biological control agents.
Basic knowledge of operation, maintenance and repair for such mechanized farm
equipment or machinery as: trucks with manual transmission, trailers (non-articulate),
tractors, sprayers, combines, and soil preparation and planting implements in order to
plant and maintain field plots of certain agricultural commodities.
Basic knowledge of conventional and no till farming practices used in New Jersey.
Basic knowledge of map reading, compass usage, and field measurements in order to
effectively conduct a field survey of plant, pest, and biological control agent populations,
Basic knowledge of pesticide application apparatus, materials, and techniques used to
control plant pest populations effectively and in such a manner as not to endanger the
health and safety of human, plant or animal populations.
Basic knowledge of specimen collection techniques and procedures in order to maintain
collected specimens in a satisfactory condition for future examination.
Basic knowledge of mathematics in order to calculate sums, differences, products,
areas, averages, and percent of the whole.
Ability to operate, maintain and repair various types of farm equipment and machinery.
Ability to lift and carry loads to fifty pounds.
Ability to carry and operate for extended periods of time a backpack type sprayer
equipped with a hand-powered pneumatic pumps.
Ability to learn quickly from oral and written instructions and from demonstrations.
Ability to perform field work quickly and accurately.
Some ability to prepare detailed written reports and analysis of inspection containing
findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to work independently and with others in a courteous and cooperative manner.
Ability to maintain essential records and files in a neat and organized fashion so that
they may be understood by others.
Ability to learn 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, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform
the 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 the
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 | | 02401C | Biological Control | S | C | NE | 13 | N/A | I13 | - |
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.
06/30/1987 |
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