Role of the Plant Materials Specialist

The Plant Materials Specialist (PMS) is a member of the state technical support staff in each state served. The PMS may also be referred to as a "Plant Resource Specialist". Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership in the coordination of PM activities with the NPL, State Conservationist, PMC Advisory Committee, PMC Manager, Regional PM Coordinator, State Technology Contact, NRCS Field Offices, Conservation Districts, and other local, state and regional offices and partners.
• Assisting in the development of technology products for identified customers, such as state technical support staff, land users, NRCS Field Offices, Universities and other state and federal agencies.
• Providing leadership in the transfer of technology products to NRCS Field Offices, Conservation Districts, partners and other identified customers.
• Providing leadership in completing plant science technology needs assessment and development of the state PM Long Range Plan (LRP).
• Assisting in the development of the PMC LRP and other PMC operational documents.
• Providing technical assistance to the PMC and PMC Manager.
• Promoting PM program integration at local, state and regional levels.
• Integrating pertinent plant materials and plant technologies into the Field Office Technical Guide, PM web site, joint publication, professional papers, etc.
• Maintaining working partnerships with Agriculture Experiment Stations, ARS, Crop Improvement Associations, seed growers and dealers, etc.

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