Agricultural Technician II

Class Concept

This is skilled research support work in an agricultural research environment. Duties involve working with field crops, horticultural crops, and/or animals in a laboratory or field setting. Employees may function as lead workers in the area of assignment which involves assigning and reviewing the work of subordinates, training staff, and participating in short and/or long-range planning with the supervisor. Employees may perform pregnancy checks; conduct artificial insemination procedures; identify and mark animals at birth; inoculate animals against diseases; treat injured or sick animals; record a variety of research data; transport animals; perform surgical procedures to remove sample tissue for analysis; and/or perform routine laboratory testing. Employees may assist in the layout of plots; operate specialized agricultural equipment; calibrate the more sophisticated equipment; apply special spray treatments, chemicals, or fertilizers for pest and disease control or growth regulation; harvest crops; collect and record data; and/or grade certain fruits and vegetables. Employees may receive, organize, and prepare agricultural samples for chemical analysis and/or extraction of microscopic plant-parasitic nematodes. Employees may be involved in sample preparation such as drying, grinding, and weighing of samples. Employees may enter data into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), collect sample payments, and provide direct customer service. Employee may work in multiple sections. Work may include other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of livestock care and management; planting, cultivating, or harvesting crops; or basic laboratory practices.
• Ability to operate equipment pertaining to the work area.
• Ability to read and understand complex labels on chemical containers.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to plan and assign work, train employees, and evaluate their work.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees, researchers, and project leaders.
• Ability to understand and follow research protocol or laboratory standard operating procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience in the general care and management of animals or crops, or laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.