What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Pest Diagnostics Specialist position at State of Hawaii?
Recruitment Information
This posting is for the Plant Industry Division with the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture
The position is located in Downtown, Oahu.
Salary: Commensurate with education & experience
If you have any questions regarding this non-civil service exempt position, please contact the HDOA Human Resources Office at hdoa.hr@hawaii.gov.
The State Recruiting Office will refer all inquiries regarding this exempt position to the Department of Agriculture.
Duties Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to plan, direct, and coordinate statewide program activities related to plant pest diagnostics under the direction of the Plant Pest Control Branch. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners statewide to identify gaps, conduct diagnostic serves to identify, control, and mitigate invasive plant pest species, work directly with researchers to identify new, novel, unofficial, and unreported plant pest species, and conceptualize, develop, draft, and implement plant pest diagnostic services projects. The incumbent will be the primary liaison between the Hawai?i Department of Agriculture, University of Hawai?i, community-based organizations, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other stakeholders working to identify invasive plant pest species.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
LEGAL AUTHORIZATION TO WORK REQUIREMENT: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
Recommended Qualifications:
Knowledge: Must possess a comprehensive grasp of the principles of entomology, an intensive knowledge of the “current state of the art” as it relates to the biology, ecology, behavior, and control of ants or other pests involved, and a thorough understanding of the principles of associated scientific fields such as botany, zoology, chemistry, forestry, etc.; problem solving methods and techniques; research methods and technique; report writing; principles and practices of supervision; program policies, procedures, goals and objectives; and public relations.
Skills/Abilities: An unusually high degree of originality, creativity, versatility, and professional competency is required to interpret and convert overall objectives and policies into specific plans, programs, and activities designed to resolve entomological problems. Must be capable of developing and directing such a program, guiding and managing personnel, and evaluating work accomplishments and program emphasis.
Use and care for laboratory and field equipment and apparatus; apply standard laboratory procedures and techniques; apply standardized survey and sampling methods associated with entomology control work; integrate pertinent knowledge and apply initiative, imagination, and sound professional judgement to accomplishing work assignments.
Ability to independently analyze a wide range of technical and/or specialized data and make comprehensive recommendations on action to be taken; perform mathematical calculations to verify rates, geometric areas, volumes, and other units; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; communicate to persons with limited English proficiency through an interpreter; establish and maintain effective supervisory relationships with subordinates; and provide consultation and advisory services to the private and public sector; recognize a wide range of factors and symptoms of entomological concern; judge and select from alternative solutions and modify, innovate, and adapt control methods and techniques; analyze evaluate and draw sound conclusions, prepare, and submit findings for publications, and develop recommendations for action; exercise practical judgement.
Skills: Interactive presentation techniques to engage learners, driving in off-road and rural situations, audio/visual troubleshooting.
Ability to come to work regularly and on time; follow verbal and written instructions; take constructive criticism and suggestions; communicate effectively with the public and staff; get along with co-workers and supervisors; treat co-workers, supervisors and the public with respect and courtesy; and refrain from abusive, insubordinate and/or violent behavior.
Education: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in entomology or a closely related field which included at least twelve (12) semester credit hours of entomology coursework.Experience: 3 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of entomological research, development, prevention, or control which included field and/or laboratory work.
Other Information
This position is exempt from the civil service and considered temporary in nature. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered to be "at will," which means that you may be discharged from your employment at the prerogative of the department head or designee at any time.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter to hdoa.hr@hawaii.gov.
