Under general supervision, performs advanced technical and lead work to assist farm advisors to conduct field experiments; tests soil, water and plant samples; coordinates the activities of subordinate technical staff; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the lead level in the Agricultural Field and Laboratory Technician series. The incumbent coordinates, assigns, and reviews and participates in the work of subordinate technical staff, conducts field and laboratory tests on soils, water and plant samples, maintains detailed records of results; and establishes and maintains experimental test plots. Work is performed under the direction and guidance of professional farm advisor staff. The incumbent exercises lead responsibility over staff who are primarily seasonal and contract employees of the county or university. Work is performed with some independence and latitude of judgment and is subject to review by superiors through discussion and review of reports and fieldwork.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assists farm advisors in conducting agricultural research projects; prioritizes assignments, assigns and reviews work of technical staff; trains staff on research, field and laboratory techniques; evaluates performance.
Collects samples; prepares and conducts laboratory analysis of soil, water and plant samples; records test results and prepares reports; prepares samples for shipping.
Prepares, plants, cultivates and maintains experimental test plots; prunes trees and vines; applies insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizer; observes and records results; maintains detailed records of activities and results and compiles data for reports; harvests test plots to obtain data on yield, maturity, and quality and records results.
Maintains office and laboratory facilities, instruments, equipment and tools; may arrange facilities for educational meetings.
Maintains a variety of lab results and field observations; compiles and prepares statistical and narrative reports.
Assists in obtaining yield records for crops and livestock.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER I
Experience: Three years as an Agricultural Field and Lab Technician I in San Joaquin County service.
OR II
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Agriculture, Biology, Natural Resources, Agricultural Business or a closely related field.
Experience: Six months experience that provided familiarity with agricultural research methods, materials and practices.
Substitution: Additional experience assisting with agricultural field experiments at a level comparable to the San Joaquin County class of Agricultural Field and Laboratory Technician I may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
AND
License: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
Certificate: Possession of a valid Qualified Applicator’s License issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic principles and practices of training and supervision; methods of planting, growing, treating and harvesting agricultural crops; safe use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals; soil science; plant science; methods and principles of irrigation and drainage; laboratory safety precautions.
ABILITY
Plan, direct and review the work of others; train staff; conduct soil, water and plant tests; operate and maintain small farm field equipment; maintain detailed and accurate records; follow oral and written instructions; perform basic mathematical calculations and formulations to set up and compile results in laboratory and field tests; apply pesticides and farm chemicals safely and effectively; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; supervise work of others.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Occasional operation of keyboards, sitting for extended periods, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders, crawling, and climbing stairs; frequently standing for long periods, walking, driving and bending/squatting; Lifting-Frequently lifting 30 to 70 pounds or less; Vision-Excellent vision including good color vision; frequent reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent holding, reaching and grasping and occasional writing; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent concentration with occasional public contact and decision making; Special Conditions-May require occasional overtime, weekend or evening work.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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