Licensed Science Officer Benchmark

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1 POSITION EVALUATION RATIONALE POSITION TITLE Pathologist MINISTRY AND DIVISION Agriculture: Special Services BRANCH AND SECTION Entomology/ Pathology UNIT OR PROGRAM CLASSIFICATION GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Summerland and Cloverdale FACTOR SLOT POINTS KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS The position's assessed knowledge requirements are: Master's degree in Agriculture and four years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of qualifications; considerable depth of knowledge of plant pathology, with a sound knowledge of botany, plant physiology, nutrition, etc.; registration as a Professional Agrologist. The position conducts work of an interpretive nature in the detection and identification of plant disease and pesticide damage. D 113 JUDGEMENT Originality and Complexity of Work in a Scientific Discipline The position analyzes and interprets complex data. C 86 Technical Supervision Received At the "C" level of work the technical content of the position's work is reviewed. 2 ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROGRAM ROLE The position performs and advisory service to agricultural producers. II (a) 43 PRINCIPAL OR SUPPORTIVE This is one of six professional positions reporting to the Head, Entomology/ Pathology Branch. p ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Summerland (0) Cloverdale (1) TOTAL POINTS 242/245 NOTES AND COMMENTS:

2 POSITION TITLE Pathologist MINISTRY AND DIVISION Agriculture: Special Services BRANCH AND SECTION Entomology/ Pathology UNIT OR PROGRAM SUPERVISOR'S POSITION TITLE Head, Entomology/ Pathology Branch CLASSIFICATION GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Summerland & Cloverdale SUPERVISOR'S CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM FUNCTION (Purpose of the program and of the organization in which the position operates) The principal function for the Entomology/ Pathology Branch is the effective control of insects and plant diseases in British Columbia to reduce and to prevent crop losses by conducting information programs for farmers and their associations and monitoring for diseases and compliance with relevant legislation. PURPOSE OF POSITION AND SUMMARY OF ITS FUNCTIONS The principal function of this position is to control plant diseases of all interior crops including fruits, vegetables, field and forage crops throughout the North Central and Peace River districts of British Columbia. Key duties are: to conduct disease surveys for known plant diseases and to maintain surveillance for the appearance of new diseases; to ensure that plant destruction is carried out, when necessary, to control the spread of plant diseases; to check accuracy of pesticide application times and quantities applied and to observe for deleterious affects of pesticides on the health of plants, animals and humans; to organize and direct educational and awareness programs for farmers, growers and the public at large on plant disease recognition control; to examine diseased plant specimens submitted by farmers, growers and homeowners in order to diagnose the disease affecting the specimen; to initiate research projects independently and work in cooperation with Agriculture Canada Research Branch to develop improved methods to control plant diseases; to provide specialist knowledge as the branch or ministry representative at the provincial, national and international level; to perform other related duties. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Reporting directly to the head of the branch are four s and two Pathologists. One Pathologist is accountable for lower mainland crop disease programs and the other Pathologist, this position, is accountable for disease control programs throughout Central BC and the Peace River district with headquarters at Summerland, BC. The Pathologists develop their own programs commensurate with the broad objectives of the branch and receive little direction in the execution of these programs.

3 1. 20% POSITION'S SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND HOW THEY ARE PERFORMED Conducts disease surveys for know plant diseases and maintains surveillance for the appearance of new diseases by: deploying survey crews, and other crews, including those under the supervision of the BC Fruit Growers Association, to search for signs of little cherry disease, cherry twisted leaf, tomato bushy stunt virus, onion white rot and new diseases % 3. 5% 4. 15% 5. 10% 6. 15% Ensures that plant destruction is carried out when necessary to control the spread of disease and to destroy prohibited species by: advising farmers, growers and the general public of the presence of diseased or forbidden plants under their care and the requirement for destruction in accordance with the provisions of the Protection Act; physically assisting in the removal and destruction of infected or prohibited plants such as the Japanese Flowering Cherry (a prohibited species). Checks the accuracy of pesticide application times and quantities for deleterious effects on plants, animals and humans by: investigating reports of incidents related to or attributed to pesticide application, misuse or abuse; observing the application of pesticides and taking measurements of quantities and times; keeping surveillance for signs that are symptomatic of pesticide ill effects, misuses or abuse. Organizes and directs educational and awareness programs for farmers, growers and the public at large on plant disease recognition and control by: developing extension programs, organizing and participating in farmers' and growers' meetings, organizing and giving short-courses, seminars and workshops; preparing articles for publication in periodicals, leaflets, circulars and production guides; preparing material for the participating in radio and TV programs. Examines several hundred diseased plant specimens submitted per annum by farmers, growers and other individuals in order to diagnose the disease affecting the specimen by: using complex laboratory equipment such as high precision microscopes, autoclaves, nematode screening devices, equipment involving aseptic procedures for fungus and bacterial isolation to isolate and identify disease-causing organisms. Initiates research projects independently and work in cooperation with Agriculture Canada Research Branch to develop improved methods of control of plant disease by: providing specialized knowledge and skills in the field of plant diseases such as apple scab, apple crown rot, onion smut, onion white rot, crown gall and little cherry disease; assisting in laboratory studies and research work using complex laboratory equipment, plant pathological skills.

4 7. 10% POSITION'S SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND HOW THEY ARE PERFORMED (CON'T) Provides specialist knowledge as the branch of ministry representative at the provincial, national and international level by: attending meetings of committees such as icide Safety Committee, Pathology Committee for Fruit Production Guide, TV Chautauque Committee, Advisory Council, BC Fruit Growers association, Agriculture Canada, Research Branch Quarantine Section and other committees as formed in the advancement of plant disease control. 8. Performs other related duties. 5% 1. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education, Experience and Occupational Certification Graduate degree in plant pathology at the MSc or preferably PhD level form a recognized university plus four years experience as a graduate plant pathologist and earlier experience as a plant pathology summer student at a Research station or university. Registration as a Professional Agrologist with the BC Institute of Agrologist and a membership in the Canadian and American Phytopathological societies. 2. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Thorough knowledge of Pathology with at least a sound knowledge of botany, plant physiology, ecology and environment, plant nutrition, chemistry and statistics; and a knowledge of horticulture, agronomy and general agriculture. Ability to organize and participate in extension and education programs; strong skills in writing and public speaking

5 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Head Entomology/ Pathology Secretary Pathologist Pathologist (Summerland) Regional (Victoria) Technician Senior Technician (Vernon) (Oliver)