State of Washington Classified Job Specification

• PLANT TECHNICIAN 2
• Class Code: 570K
• Category: AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
• Salary Range: 39

Definition

Cares for and maintains plants for developmental, research, and/or instructional purposes.

Typical Work

May lead assistants and performs activities in weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, breeding, management, and general care of plants including research and teaching functions;

Observes plants for symptoms indicating disease or insect infestation; administers prescribed treatment for diseases or pest control;

Cleans farm, greenhouse and nursery facilities;

Maintains records consistent with management, research and cultural programs;

Demonstrates laboratory exercises for students;

Performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Positions within this class are fully qualified to adequately care for and maintain agricultural crops and other experimental plants. May lead work of farm workers and part-time helpers.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

High school graduation or GED certificate and three years of work experience in plant research, propagation, or related work.

College training in one of the plant sciences may be substituted, year-for-year, for required experience. One year of additional experience in plant research may be substituted for high school education.

Specified course work or experience within a discipline may be required.

Equivalent education/experience.

Class Specification History

New Class: 5-17-73
General revision. Revises title (formerly Plant Technician II), class code (formerly 4516), typical work, minimum qualifications; effective July 1, 2007.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Base range increase from 37 to 39; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.