ASSOCIATE PLANT PATHOLOGIST (DIAGNOSTICIAN)
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Applying for a state of California job is a three-step process. The first step is that the job applicant must apply to take “an exam”. This is done to make sure all the applicants allowed to take the exam meet the minimum qualifications. Associate Plant Pathologist is a Master’s degree required, Ph.D., preferred position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive information on how to take this exam. An exam is a job application where you submit all required transcripts, state application and the completed exam exactly as instructed in the official exam bulletin. After an applicant takes the exam, they are ranked on a list. This is the list we must interview and hire from. After the list is created, the actual position will then be posted, and if you are on the list, you will be welcome to apply. The position we have opening will be a diagnostician position with an emphasis in Mycology. It will be posted maybe as early as June. When applying to take the exam, or while sending in your filled out exam, please pay close attention to the documents required. A Human Resources person will be evaluating if you meet the minimum qualifications to take “the exam”. Even if you submitted these documents to apply for an exam previously, or for another job with the state of California you must submit the required documents again to be considered. You also must have permission to work in the United States to be considered for hiring. Thank you for your interest in our lab. The link describing the application process to take the exam is following. The deadline to apply for the exam is May 6, 2022.
https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/2FA07.PDF
Following is a brief description of the position. A more detailed description will be listed when the actual position is listed this summer. Application for state jobs requires persistence. This is a great job in a team-oriented setting where you see a large diversity of hosts and pathogens and see something new and interesting frequently.
For any questions regarding the position, please contact Cheryl Blomquist, 916-262-1100 or email Cheryl.Blomquist@cdfa.ca.gov. Please contact Casey.Gates@cdfa.ca.gov in the exam application bulletin for information on the application process.
ASSOCIATE PLANT PATHOLOGIST (DIAGNOSTICIAN)
The position will be at the Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch, Plant Pathology Laboratory at 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832.
This is a Master’s Degree required, Ph.D. preferred position. Under the supervision of the Environmental Program Manager I, the Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician) performs a broad range of difficult and technical scientific assignments that require extensive knowledge and expertise in diagnostics and/or identification of plant pathogens. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Provides accurate and timely identification of plant pathogens and abiotic disorders, which may be actual or potential problems for California agriculture and environment. This entails receiving, evaluating and diagnosing specimens submitted to the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, using the appropriate methodology, including morphological evaluation and diagnostic testing. Due to the regulatory function of the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, detection of certain invasive plant pathogens may affect movement of domestic and international plant shipments and could result in economic loss for the owner(s).
Provides expert scientific consultation, including pertinent information and scientific conclusions about plant pathogens and their biology, to internal and external clients. Evaluates and makes recommendations on plant diseases and abiotic disorders.
Conducts independent and collaborative research to answer questions and solve problems related to disease and disorder symptomology, morphology, identification, nomenclature, and taxonomy and systematics of plant pathogens.
Provides guidance to seasonal and other lab employees, visiting scientists, and other trainees in specialized techniques necessary for diagnostics and research.
