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Plant Pathologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Faculty Assistant

College Park, MD · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Bachelor's degree in plant molecular biology/ pathology or a related discipline. Preferences: A strong publication record and a PhD in plant molecular biology/ pathology or a related discipline ...

Bachelor's degree in plant molecular biology/ pathology or a related discipline. Preferences: A strong publication record and a PhD in plant molecular biology/ pathology or a related discipline ...

Plant Pathologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$41.1K

$85.9K

$120.7K

How much do plant pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant pathologist in Reston, VA is $85,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $86,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Plant Pathologist jobs in Reston, VA? For Plant Pathologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Pathologist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Pathologist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Plant Pathologist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Plant Pathologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Plant Pathologist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,910 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Plant Health Care Specialist

SavATree LLC

Sterling, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


SavATree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 36 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

Looking for a place where you can thrive?

$1,000 Sign on Bonus for Pesticide Certified Candidates!

The Plant Health Care Team are specialists dedicated to inspecting plant material, identifying problems, and ethically treating or preventing the many problems that trees and shrubs may face. They are our team of “detectives”; looking at each plant disease/infestation as a puzzle they can’t wait to solve. This role provides the opportunity to work outside and visit beautiful properties in your community.

What a day is like:

The Plant Health Care focus is on ensuring the health and well being of trees and shrubs on a clients’ landscape in a specific territory. This involves monitoring, diagnosing, and treating any pest and/or disease infestations occurring on the property. Plant Health Care is responsible for selecting the most appropriate product or treatment for each problem. Additional activities include interacting with our clients, educating them with written diagnostic reports detailing the conditions on their landscape, as well as ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

What kind of person are we looking for:

  • A desire to grow, craves opportunity, loves problem solving and process improvement
  • A Degree in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Management, Turf-grass, or similar experience.
  • Tree/Plant Identification experience
  • The knowledge of safely and properly using spray and application equipment
  • The responsibility and independence to work autonomously
  • Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills to understand and meet client needs

What is essential:

  • Willingness to complete required trainings to obtain needed certifications & licenses.
  • Desire to work outdoors
  • Valid Driver’s license to operate service-line vehicles.
  • Must be authorized to work lawfully in the U.S.

Why you might love working here:

  • We have lots of training and development opportunities and support continuing education in the industry
  • The opportunity to work alongside some of the best trained and equipped teams in the industry, with an emphasis on quality and safety
  • We’re collaborative, so team members have the ability to connect and collaborate with people who are experts in the field
  • We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including health and dental, paid time off, vehicle program, and a matched 401(K)

Physical demands of this role:

  • These physical demands described must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is subject to frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

SavATree’s mission is to take our passion for nature and keep this country’s outdoors beautiful and flourishing. Through our comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care we work hard to make sure our discerning customers have attractive, healthy and cared-for green spaces to enjoy. Over the last thirty years, we have opened new offices across the country, and we are looking for people who want to grow with us.

We want everyone to be able to identify and achieve their own version of success, which means giving each team member the room and opportunity to grow. To ensure that everyone has the best chance to succeed, we invest heavily in training and continuing education. We make it easy for you to reach out and get the help you need, even when it’s from the other side of the country. This means actively fostering a collaborative culture where we come together to learn from each other and help each other succeed. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where each employee has the resources and opportunities to advance his or her career and become a go-to subject matter expert. That’s why we often say that when you work here, you thrive here.

SavATree is an equal opportunity employer and a Drug Free Workplace


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