Certification Program Specialist (Plant Inspection Program Specialist)

Company: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Location: Harrisburg
Posted on: January 22, 2023

Job Description:

Certification Program Specialist (Plant Inspection Program Specialist) Print (http://agency.governmentjobs.com/pabureau/job\_bulletin.cfm?jobID=3871261&sharedWindow=0) ApplyCertification Program Specialist (Plant Inspection Program Specialist)Salary $61,868.00 - $93,966.00 AnnuallyLocation Dauphin County, PAJob TypeCivil Service Permanent Full-TimeDepartmentDepartment of AgricultureJob NumberCSSC-2022-39706-56435Closing2/2/2023 11:59 PM EasternJob Code56435Position Number00094799UnionNon UnionBargaining UnitG3Pay GroupST08Bureau/Division Code00043951Bureau/DivisionAgriculture Plant Protection DivisionWorksite Address2301 N. Cameron StreetCityHarrisburg, PennsylvaniaZip Code17110Contact NameDana RhodesContact Phone717.772.5205Contact Emaildanrhodes@pa.gov+ Description+ Benefits+ QuestionsTHE POSITION This position coordinates statewide nursery certification programs offered by Plant Protection for nurseries and greenhouses. Provides support to regional inspectors for compliance agreements for interstate nursery stock sales. Provides support for USDA certification programs which are administered by the State. Coordinates with counterparts in other states, Federal agencies, and the research community. DESCRIPTION OF WORK Ensure that requirements of the PA Plant Pest Act are administered properly. Work with the State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO), Division Chief and Bureau Director to suggest changes to the law and associated regulations, as needed.Administer and coordinate Plant Protection field, laboratory, and regulatory programs involving certification and registration activities, methods development, regulations, and pest management.Coordinate work of Plant Inspection staff so that goals are achieved and needs of PA agriculture are met. Hold periodic meetings to ascertain progress made. Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the Position Description (http://www.occup.state.pa.us/OrgChart/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00094799) . Work Schedule and Additional Information: + Full-time employment. + Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch. + Occasional overnight required for in state and out of state travel. + Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. + Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. + You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:+ Two years as a Plant Inspector or Entomologist 2;or+ Three years as a Plant Pathologist;or+ Four years professional experience in an agricultural regulatory program and a bachelor's degree in general agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, or horticulture;or+ Any equivalent combination of experience and training, which affords the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Other Requirements: + This position requires possession of a Class C Pennsylvania Driver's License. + PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) is currentlywaived for this title. + You must be able to perform essential job functions. How to Apply:+ The hiring manager is requesting a resume, however this cover letters and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. + If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. + Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. + Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Veterans: + Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. -7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov . Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): + 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. EXAMINATION INFORMATION+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. + Your score is valid for this specific posting only.+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:+ your score may be lower than deserved.+ you may be disqualified.+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.+ Your results will be provided via email.Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !Health & WellnessWe offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*Compensation & Financial PlanningWe invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life BalanceWe know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* Values and CultureWe believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.Employee PerksSometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.*Eligibility rules apply. 01 SC-Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension? + Yes+ No 02 If yes, please provide your license number and expiration date in the text box below. If not, please type N/A. 03 Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Plant Inspector or Entomologist 2 for two or more years full-time? + Yes+ No 04 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 05 Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a a Plant Pathologist for three or more years full-time? + Yes+ No 06 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 07 How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in an agricultural regulatory program? + a. 4 years or more+ b. 3 but less than 4 years+ c. Less than 3 years+ d. None 08 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 09 How much graduate coursework have you completed in Agricultural Science, Apiculture, Biology or Biological Science, Botany/Weed Science, Environmental Science, Forestry, Integrated Pest Management, Microbiology, Ornamental Horticulture, Pest Management, Plant Protection, or Plant Science?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information. + a. 30 credits or more+ b. 15 but less than 30 credits+ c. Less than 15 credits+ d. None 10 CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .+ Yes 11 WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEProvides direction and technical assistance to field inspectors, growers, laboratory assistants/technicians and others on certification and regulatory plant protection programs.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim. + a. I have experience providing direction and technical assistance to FIELD INSPECTORS, GROWERS, AND LABORATORY ASSISTANTS/TECHNICIANS on certification and regulatory plant protection programs+ b. I have experience providing direction and technical assistance to GROWERS on regulatory plant protection programs.+ c. I have experience providing direction and technical assistance to others on topics OTHER THAN certification and regulatory plant protection programs.+ d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public relations or communications.+ e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. 12 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience+ The duties you performed related to providing direction and technical assistance+ To whom you provided technical assistance+ The topic of the technical assistance you provided 13 CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.+ College/University+ Course Title+ Credits/Clock Hours 14 WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIONCoordinates and administers statewide certification programs for nursery and greenhouse facilities to ensure compliance, consistency and adherence to state and federal guidelines and regulations.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim. + a. I have experience COORDINATING a certification program for nursery and greenhouse facilities.+ b. I have experience ADMINISTERING a certification program for nursery and greenhouse facilities that SOMEONE ELSE coordinated.+ c. I have experience COORDINATING OR ADMINISTERING a certification for a program OTHER THAN nursery or greenhouse facilities.+ d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program administration or project management.+ e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. 15 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience+ The duties you performed related to coordinating or administering a certification program+ The type of certification program you coordinated or administered 16 CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.+ College/University+ Course Title+ Credits/Clock Hours 17 WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - TRAININGDevelops and conducts training for staff and nursery and greenhouse facilities on best management practices, investigation procedures, sampling, pest information, and state and federal laws pertaining to certification programs.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim. + a. I have experience DEVELOPING plant and nursery certification program training courses.+ b. I have experience CONDUCTING plant and nursery certification program training courses that SOMEONE ELSE developed.+ c. I have experience DEVELOPING OR CONDUCTING training courses on topics OTHER THAN plant and nursery certification.+ d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to adult learning or training.+ e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. 18 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience+ The duties you performed related to developing or conducting training courses+ The topics of the training courses you developed or conducted 19 CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.+ College/University+ Course Title+ Credits/Clock Hours 20 WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN MATERIALSWrites grant proposals and reports to document procedures used, program goals, and recommendations made to disseminate information of interest to plant inspectors, growers, other professionals in the plant industry field, and the public.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim. + a. I have experience writing grant proposals AND technical reports.+ b. I have experience writing grant proposals OR technical reports.+ c. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to grant writing or technical writing.+ d. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. 21 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience+ Details regarding your experience writing grant proposals or technical reports+ The type of grant proposals or technical reports you wrote 22 CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.+ College/University+ Course Title+ Credits/Clock Hours 23 WORK BEHAVIOR 5- POLICY AND REGULATION DEVELOPMENTDevelops and implements policies and regulations pertaining to plant pest programs. Updates existing laws and regulations as needed.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim. + a. I have experience DEVELOPING policies and regulations pertaining to plant pest programs.+ b. I have experience IMPLEMENTING policies and regulations pertaining to plant pest programs that SOMEONE ELSE developed.+ c. I have experience DEVELOPING OR IMPLEMENTING policies and regulations pertain

Keywords: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg , Certification Program Specialist (Plant Inspection Program Specialist), Other , Harrisburg, Pennsylvania