AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANT8294C3 Pay Grade: 13 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is manual and semi-skilled work in a plant or animal educational and research unit. Work involves providing sanitary environmental conditions and caring for animals in educational environments and in research units, or planting and maintaining plants in greenhouses, nurseries, outdoor beds or educational and research units. Work also involves duties relating to the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL B: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are minor as the work is normally reviewed regularly and errors are usually detected in following operations. Errors may be disruptive to co-workers or may cause minor inefficiency. Costs due to errors are minimal. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Animal Science Technical I class where work is of a more technical nature. Differs from the Plant Science Technician I class where work is of a more technical nature. Differs from the Laborer class where work is manual labor related to groundskeeping and the maintenance crafts. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Waters, exercises and feeds animals; prepares rations or special diets as directed; cleans and sanitizes animal facilities and observes the general health and well being of the animals and reports deviations from normal animal behavior. Keeps simple records regarding feed consumption, weight gain, egg or milk production, seed production, germination records, animal census, cage identification cards or animal health. Operates heavy farm machinery in order to prepare soil, plant, cultivate and harvest field crops; operates rack and tunnel cage washers, bedding dispenser, high pressure spray cleaner and other cleaning equipment in order to maintain sanitary conditions in animal laboratories. Applies fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides; assists in setting up irrigation systems. Applies chemical disinfectants to laboratory and farm animals. Participates in greenhouse cultivation operations; adjusts ventilation, temperature, humidity and moisture conditions of the plants. Prunes and propagates plants. Changes animal cages and racks as prescribed by standards and/or the Animal Welfare Act. Removes designated trees and underbrush using a chain saw and/or other hand tools; removes straw and dead animals. Plants trees and shrubs in recreation areas to improve the recreation environment using tractors, augers, tree planters, water trucks and shovels. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of farm animals and methods of animal care. Knowledge of normal health patterns, behavior of animals and abnormal manifestations of illness or injury. Knowledge of symptoms, methods and control of common diseases and insects which attack plants. Knowledge of the procedures for handling dangerous chemicals. Abilities Ability to operate and maintain farm equipment. Ability to follow directions in feeding, watering and handling animals. Ability to observe and record information about animals as directed. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: None required. NC: 06/93 |