PLANT SCIENCE TECHNICIAN I8310M1 Pay Grade: 16 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical work in a plant material research or teaching unit. Work involves carrying out assigned portions of plant material research projects by independently performing phases of a single operation. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL A: "Under immediate supervision..." "Immediate" means that the employee has little or no authority to select alternative work methods or to render independent judgments of any consequence. Each task is performed according to detailed instructions, written or oral. Assignments are usually for a short duration and when completed are usually checked for accuracy, adherence to instructions and established regulations, as well as the worker's rate of performance. Difficulty - LEVEL A: Routine - where the work is usually repetitive and the employee works from detailed instructions, the difficulty is usually limited to accuracy and speed. Complexity - LEVEL A: Work is of a simple or routine nature requiring very little analytical thought. Tasks are clearly defined, highly organized, closely related and often repetitive. Few if any alternatives exist for methods or procedures to be used. Work is usually in the form of specific assignments and is closely reviewed for accuracy and progress. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually detailed, easy-to-follow instructions that cover all or most of the important aspects of the work. Workers at this level can readily determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL A: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are insignificant as the work is normally closely reviewed and errors are easily detected by a standard check or cross-check. Costs due to errors are negligible. Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable 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 Agricultural Assistant class where work is manual or semi-skilled and performed under immediate supervision. Differs from the Animal Science Technician I class where work is primarily dealing with animals. Differs from the Plant Science Technician II class where work is more specialized or supervisory. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Inventories incoming and remnant variety test seed by variety name, source, and date received in order to keep seed stock pure; repackages small grain and soybean seed for experimentation and demonstrations; takes germination readings at appropriate intervals; operates farm machinery and equipment to plant, cultivate and harvest. Maintains equipment used for the production of seed and for maintaining research plots by making minor repairs, greasing and changing oil, replacing worn-out or broken parts, and adjusting and cleaning equipment; performs preventative maintenance; keeps records of maintenance services performed. Measures, stakes, plants, applies treatments, cuts alleys, thins, weeds, harvests, counts, weighs, keeps records, and prepares samples for research plots and field crops of corn, wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, and grain sorghum. Cleans equipment to prevent sample mixing and contamination. Plants bulbs, roses, annual, and perennial flower beds by weeding, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and applying herbicides and pesticides; clears and winterizes annual beds, and mulches flower beds using appropriate gardening equipment. Grades, packs, and ships bare root and containerized seedlings to growers throughout the state; distributes seedlings and ensures quality, moisture, and efficiency in each order. May serve as a lead worker to subordinate staff. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of the methods, practices, techniques and tools used in the planting and care of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants. Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of working with power tools and equipment. Knowledge of the hazards, proper use and effects of insecticides, herbicides and pesticides. Abilities *Ability to keep simple records. Ability to recognize plant diseases and signs of insect infestation. Ability to read and follow plans and designs in the planting of trees, shrubs and plants. *Ability to read and interpret instructions for the use of herbicides, pesticides and insecticides. Ability to make minor repairs and maintain agricultural equipment, vehicles and tools. Ability to plant, weed, mulch, prune and graft plants and trees. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High School diploma or equivalent and six months of experience in agriculture. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |