Plant Pest Program Manager

Job Code: 32006077
Salary Grade: NC18
Revision Date: 07/2025

Class Concept

This is managerial, administrative, technical work in managing a statewide program in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Plant Pest Administration. Position plans, develops, evaluates, and monitors program goals designed to meet departmental objectives in agri-business and regulatory services. Position develops requests for funding, personnel, equipment and supplies. Work requires close cooperation with local governments, other state agencies, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); and extensive participation of state, regional and national committees and organizations.

This involves administrative and technical work in enforcing state laws and regulations related to the control, eradication, and prevention of economically important plant pests and diseases. Position administers statewide provisions of the Plant Pest Law, the Vegetable Plant Law, the Biological Organism Law, the Uniform Boll Weevil Eradication Act, the Plant Protection and Conservation Act, the Pest Control Compact, the Bee and Honey Act and the Genetically Engineered Organisms Act which govern agricultural industries. Position plans, develops and administers a statewide plant pest regulatory program; establishes program objectives, goals and priorities; develops requests for funding, personnel, equipment and supplies. Responsibilities include developing, implementing and evaluating eradication and/or mitigation programs for plant pests and diseases; drafting proposed changes in the laws, rules and regulations; reviewing and commenting upon environmental impact statements issued by other agencies; providing information concerning plant pest programs to various organizations, industry and commodity groups and the general public; and providing technical expertise to field and staff personnel. Work requires close cooperation with local governments, other state agencies, and the USDA. Work may include other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to plant pests and diseases
• Thorough knowledge of techniques and terminology applicable to the control and eradication of plant pests and diseases
• Thorough knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, crop science, and horticulture
• Intermediate knowledge of environmental conditions and agricultural practices in the state
• Ability to administer laws and regulations concerning plant pests and diseases Thorough knowledge of program and policy guidelines needed to develop new or revised programs and legislation
• Thorough knowledge of program and policy guidelines needed to develop new or revised programs and legislation
• Ability to supervise personnel and serve as a consultant to field employees
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of agencies, groups, and individuals
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with farmers, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and the public

Minimum Education and Experience

Master's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, weed science or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.