State of Connecticut Executive Branch

At the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station this class is accountable for receiving on-the-job training in and performing with increasing independence routine technical field and laboratory tasks, with emphasis on the preparation of simple solutions, culture media and/or reagents and the routine preparation of specimens/samples for analysis.

Initially works under the close supervision of an Agricultural Research Assistant 2 or 3, or other staff member of higher grade; works more independently with acquired experience.

IN THE FIELD: (under supervision)

• Collects samples of plants, insects or soils;
• Applies treatments;
• May tend plots;
• May count insects or plants;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Receives training in basic laboratory procedures and techniques;
• Prepares simple solutions, strains culture media and/or reagents according to written instructions;
• Prepares specimens/samples for examination;
• Maintains records of work performed;
• Sterilizes and cleans laboratory equipment;
• May perform routine tests and examinations under supervision;
• May tabulate data; 
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, techniques and terminology;
• Manual dexterity and skills;
• Ability to
  • carry out written and oral instructions;
  • observe accurately to record results;
  • utilize computer software;
• Mathematical ability.

Graduation from high school or possession of General Educational Development (GED) certification with courses in mathematics and sciences.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

• Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
• A physical examination may be required.

Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment/supplies; may be exposed to some risk of injury from such elements as toxic vapors and toxic and/or disease-carrying substances.

In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement's compensation guidelines. 

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Agricultural Research Assistant 1 in Salary Group TC 08 approved effective May 05, 2022. (Reviewed for content, revised to modernize format and add an Acknowledgement section) Final No. 24-033

Agricultural Research Assistant 1
Guidelines for Class Use:

FIELD:

• At this level, incumbents (under supervision) collect samples of plants, soil, water, insects, birds and mammals.
• May tend plots or greenhouses by planting, watering, cultivating, applying chemicals under supervision, harvesting, setting and emptying traps.
• May perform measurements with simple measuring devices or by weighing.
• May record counts and measurements as directed in written records or by electronic data entry.

LABORATORY

• At this level, incumbents receive training in and perform with increasing independence routine technical laboratory work, with an emphasis on the preparation of simple solutions, culture media and/or reagents. Routine preparations are generally not performed at this level except on a very limited basis under supervision and involving only very simple one-step procedures.
• Preparation of "simple" solutions generally involves the mixing of one or several ingredients with water according to a prescribed formula. A trip balance may be used to measure out ingredients, as well as graduated glassware. A pH meter may also be used, but is generally limited to taking the pH meter reading of a substance, rather than for making adjustments. The use of calculations is limited, if required at all.
• "Routine" preparation of specimens/samples refers to such procedures as centrifuging blood specimens, staining and simple streaking of media on glass plates [streaking that does not involve the selection of a bacterial colony for isolation purposes (microbiology) and clarification of samples through simple separation of filtration (chemistry)].
• In general, very little technical skill is involved at this level. Incumbents work under very prescribed guidelines and generally do not exercise independent judgement.