PLANT SCIENCE TECHNICIAN II8311M1 Pay Grade: 18 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized and/or supervisory work with plants or crops in a research unit or in an agricultural program. Work involves directing workers engaged in providing care to plants or production of crops and the overall responsibility for maintaining facilities and equipment, or specialized and technical work performed in a research unit involving application of production and research methods, compiling test plot result information, and other research related special assignments. 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 C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. 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 C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from Plant Science Technician I where work is of a less technical nature and where supervisory responsibility is limited to lead work. Differs from Agricultural Technician where work focuses on both laboratory and field research. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Keeps crop yield records on test projects and experiments in relation to soil, temperature, moisture conditions, and other control factors employed, by recording size, quantity, and other test results. Collects, analyzes, classifies, dries and grinds plant samples, cross-pollinates; makes selections to be used in variegation research; observes and reports plant disease and insect problems; practices weed and insect control methods. Schedules, assigns and oversees plowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops in areas varying from many small research plots to large acreages of general crops. Stakes out areas to be planted; follows detailed specifications and drawings in determining material and supplies needed; determines the proper time for planting, fertilizing, and spraying grass and trees. Ensures the proper care and handling of tree stock prior to and during planting operations; inspects trees and grass to determine the need to weed, or to take rodent, insect and disease control measures; selects the insecticide, herbicide, or other products or methods to be used. Keeps records and provides information concerning growth, diseases, and availability of trees, shrubs, flowers and turf grasses. May supervise 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. Knowledge of the symptoms of plant diseases and methods of control. *Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment used in agricultural research and production. Knowledge of the methods and principles of supervision. Abilities *Ability to keep research and production records. *Ability to recognize plant diseases and signs of insect infestation. Ability to plan, assign and review the work of other employees. Ability to interpret precise instructions, procedures, technical plans and designs. Ability to evaluate the work of other employees. *Ability to read and follow plans and designs in the planting of trees, shrubs and plants. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High school or equivalent and one year of experience in agriculture. Education in an agricultural field may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |