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Plant Pathologist Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) preferred CRITICAL SKILLS/EXPERTISE Knowledge of arboriculture, irrigation systems, and basic plant pathology; working knowledge of equipment, materials ...

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Plant Pathologist information

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$29.5K

$61.7K

$86.7K

How much do plant pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant pathologist in Florida is $61,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant pathologist?

Plant pathologists are scientists who work in agriculture and related fields. As a plant pathologist, you work both in a laboratory setting and out in the field to monitor the conditions that affect plant and crop health. In the laboratory setting, you analyze samples of plants, microorganisms, and other aspects of the natural environment. When there are soil problems or a crop disease, you make onsite visits to determine the cause of the problem and recommend best solutions to treat or eradicate the issue. You must keep up to date with the latest research and innovations in biological and agricultural sciences related to diseases or pathogens that may plague plants. Working closely with biologists, farmers, breeders, and botanists at farms, you create quality control measures and improve practices for maintaining safe environments for the plants and find ways to increase crop yields or develop disease resistance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant pathologist?

To excel as a Plant Pathologist, you need a strong background in plant biology, microbiology, and disease diagnostics, typically supported by a degree in plant pathology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular diagnostic tools, and data analysis software such as PCR systems and GIS applications is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in problem-solving and collaborating with agricultural stakeholders. These abilities are vital for accurately identifying plant diseases, developing effective management strategies, and supporting sustainable agricultural production.

What are some common challenges plant pathologists face when diagnosing plant diseases in the field?

Plant pathologists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between similar disease symptoms, environmental stresses, and pest damage, which can all present similar signs in plants. Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools in field settings can make accurate identification more difficult, requiring strong observational skills and sometimes sending samples to a laboratory for further analysis. Additionally, keeping up with emerging diseases and adapting to new pathogens can be demanding, but collaboration with other scientists and ongoing professional development help address these challenges.

What is the difference between Plant Pathologist vs Plant Biologist?

AspectPlant PathologistPlant Biologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Pathology, Ph.D. often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Botany, Plant Science, or related field; Ph.D. for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, agricultural settings, plant disease diagnosticsResearch labs, academic institutions, field studies, conservation areas
Industry UsageAgriculture, plant disease management, research institutionsResearch, academia, conservation, biotechnology

While both roles focus on plants, a Plant Pathologist specializes in diagnosing and managing plant diseases, often working in agricultural and research settings. A Plant Biologist studies plant functions, growth, and development, with broader research interests. The roles overlap in education and research but differ in their specific focus areas and applications.

What are popular job titles related to Plant Pathologist jobs in Florida?

For Plant Pathologist jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Plant Pathologist jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Plant Pathologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Pathologist jobs in FL?

For Plant Pathologist jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plant Pathologist job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,710 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Full-time

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Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the maintenance and management of the City's urban forests, including tree pruning, removals, planting, and hazard assessments.

  • Operate equipment such as aerial lifts, tractors, trucks, and perform site clean-up related to landscape and arbor work.

  • Support the enforcement of landscape codes and maintain records related to tree and landscape maintenance activities.


Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION This position is considered an emergency/disaster position. During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation, which requires that the employee be ready, willing, and able to report to work during emergencies and/or disasters of any kind, notwithstanding any other commitments the employee may have and be able perform emergency services duties, as assigned.

Performs a variety of routine unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance work. Assists in the maintenance of the City's urban forests and arbor work. Participates in the landscape and maintenance of City parkland, parks facilities, and the grounds of selected City buildings and facilities to establish and maintain sustainable urban forests.

Works under the general direction of the Public Works Director, or assigned designee. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High School diploma or equivalent. Six (6) months or more experience in landscape construction or maintenance or any equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Possess a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL) certification, Class B, or obtain the CDL certification within six (6) months of employment. Possess the National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-700 within 30 days of employment and the ICS-100 within 90 days of employment. There may be additional NIMS requires, which will be scheduled by your Supervisor.

Must possess the Cyber Security Awareness Training for State of Florida Employees within 30 days of employment and maintain it every year thereafter per state statute 282.318(4)(i). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Assists in street and park tree pruning and removals, tree planting, hazard tree assessment, diagnosis, and pest control. Assists in maintaining citywide tree inventory

Maintains appropriate records of tree trimming and tree removals. Inspects and assesses trees to determine proper maintenance programs and perform risk assessments on trees on city owned properties. Assists in the oversight of landscape and tree maintenance and installation vendor contracts.

Performs quality assessment and quality control of vendor work. Assists with the Landscape Health and Public Safety programs through the Public Works Parks/Grounds Maintenance Division. Performs aerial lift operation or climbing as necessary.

Operates tractors, trucks, pressure cleaners, chipping brush, aerial lift, and performs general site clean-up. Aids in the enforcement of city landscape codes and related ordinances, providing documentation to the Code Enforcement Board when required. Assists in the maintenance of City maintained properties' landscape and turf areas.

Assists with the preparation of a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision-making purposes. Maintains availability for "standby" assignment for a week at a time or other pre-determined schedule, and availability for return to work under City's "call back" procedures. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Provides back up to other related positions.

Provides support for special and seasonal event requirements to include equipment, furnishings, amenities, and ornaments. Performs general housekeeping of work area and cleaning of equipment. Completes forms, writes reports, and performs other administrative duties.

Performs all other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS High School diploma or equivalent. Six (6) months or more experience in landscape construction or maintenance or any equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Possess a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL) certification, Class B, or obtain the CDL certification within six (6) months of employment. Possess the National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-700 within 30 days of employment and the ICS-100 within 90 days of employment. There may be additional NIMS requires, which will be scheduled by your Supervisor.

Must possess the Cyber Security Awareness Training for State of Florida Employees within 30 days of employment and maintain it every year thereafter per state statute 282.318(4)(i). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist, or ISA Certified Tree Worker Aeriel Lift Specialist preferred. ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) preferred

CRITICAL SKILLS/EXPERTISE Knowledge of arboriculture, irrigation systems, and basic plant pathology; working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in arbor and ground maintenance; working knowledge of "green laws" and the Florida grades and standards of nursery stock. Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment. Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule.

Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time, and to perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.

Working knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions. Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely. Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

EOE/DFWP/VP