State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station this class is responsible for performing a full range of technical field and laboratory tasks with emphasis on special techniques and more complex technical examinations involving calculations.

IN THE FIELD

• Works independently collecting samples, applying chemicals; 
• Inspects and certifies plants and plant products for export; 
• Accurately identifies and counts insects and plants; 
• Receives oral and written instructions; 
• May tend plots; 
• Performs related duties as required.

IN THE LABORATORY 

• Prepares specimens/samples, culture media, solutions, analytical balances, specialized techniques and calibrated measuring devices; 
• Performs independent calculations; 
• Performs more complex technical examinations;
• Performs routine physical and chemical analyses; 
• Assists in the collection and identification of specimens for special laboratory studies; 
• Maintains inventories of all testing materials prepared/processed; 
• Records and maintains records of laboratory findings; 
• Prepares statistical tabulations and summaries; 
• Prepares verbal/written reports; 
• May sterilize/clean laboratory equipment; 
• May perform minor maintenance on laboratory equipment; 
• May lead staff members of lower job classification in preparatory techniques and performance of technical examinations; 
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of specialized laboratory techniques and procedures
• Oral and written communication skills; 
• Ability to
  • make independent analytical judgments; 
  • organize and prepare technical reports; 
  • produce and maintain technical records; 
  • perform mathematical calculations; 
  • utilize computer software.

College training in the biological or physical sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years for an Associate’s degree.

Incumbents in this class may be required to occasionally lift heavy objects, such as standard laboratory equipment and/or trays/boxes of glassware; may be exposed to some risk of injury from such hazards as broken glass, chemicals, and toxic or disease-carrying substances.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Agricultural Research Assistant 3 (37.5 Hour) in Salary Group VR 99 approved effective November 29, 2013. (Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section. Reviewed for content.) Final No. 23-292

Agricultural Research Assistant 3

Guidelines for Class Use

FIELD

• At this level, incumbents perform moderately complex duties with general supervision working from written or oral instructions. 
• Incumbents exhibit skill in performing simple diagnoses of the cause of unusual or aberrant symptoms. 
• Incumbents lay out, establish and apply treatments to field plots. 
• Incumbents use prepared computer routines to tabulate and analyze field observations.

LABORATORY

• At this level, incumbents perform a range of technical laboratory duties, although the emphasis is on performing special techniques and more complex technical examinations in specialized laboratory settings. 
• Calculations and some advanced use of laboratory equipment and some independent analytical judgments are required.
• Incumbents can be expected to prepare complex solutions, using such equipment as analytical balances and pH meters (for readings as well as adjustments), special techniques, and independent calculations.
• Tests and examinations performed at this level differ in that incumbents can be expected to use more sophisticated techniques, exercise a significantly greater degree of independent judgment, interpret their own test results, and troubleshoot for accuracy.
• In general, more specialized technical skills are required at this level. The work performed represents the highest level of technical expertise in this laboratory series.