Nematologist

Class Concept

This is advanced professional, technical and administrative work involving the development, design, and direction of the statewide service program of nematode identification and management in the Agronomic Services Division in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Employee provides advanced technical support for the program, reviews nematode assays, interprets the results, and renders recommendations to the growers on management practices and the type and amount of nematicides for profitable crop production, taking into consideration the cropping history, time of sampling, field size, soil type, area of state, nematode population composition, and other relevant information provided by grower. Employee conducts field investigations and participates cooperatively with other specialists in their research efforts. Work requires the employee to stay current in research literature, and regional and national problems. Work includes developing program objectives, goals, and priorities; developing requests for program funding; and evaluating, interpreting, selecting and applying guides and references from a variety of generally established methodologies and procedures. Employee makes deviations or modifications to established procedures as necessary, or adopts new methodology for the nematology laboratory. Work may include other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principals and practices of nematology, nematode morphology and taxonomy, plant pathology, and crop and soil management.
• Thorough knowledge of methodology, techniques, and procedures used in identifying and quantifying plant parasitic nematodes in soil and root samples.
• Considerable knowledge of environmental conditions and agricultural practices in the State.
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise a nematode assay and control program.
• Ability to analyze and draw valid and applicable conclusions from conditions observed in the field and research data.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with farmers, homeowners, and other agricultural groups.

Minimum Education and Experience

Doctoral degree in plant pathology, nematology, or a related field including coursework in phytonematology, taxonomy, diseases, and biology from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience in experimental or educational work in nematology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.