Performs senior level research and investigative duties under the general direction of a prime investigator or research scientist(s) in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences as applied to agriculture and/or supervises a specialized large scale facility supporting natural resource research or a practicing scientist.

Positions have an integral role in the design elements of an experiment. Positions are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating assigned experiments under minimal direction; developing and testing investigative procedures; analyzing complex statistical data; and preparing rough manuscript drafts for technical papers. Positions fulfill broad objectives within a research plan and are responsible for a principal phase of a major research project with accountability for supportive planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting. Positions are frequently required to independently evaluate highly complex conditions and data involving a wide range of variability and develop new techniques as needed to solve specific problems.

Selects methods, procedures and sites to meet objectives of study plan; develops technical recording and reporting procedures; trains and supervises personnel in survey, sampling, reporting, analysis and other project tasks; samples, analyzes and evaluates specific types of data; takes action or makes recommendations based on preliminary interpretation of data;

Designs and carries out experiments; evaluates, modifies and applies related methods, procedures and techniques developed by others in specialized area of study; selects, interprets and applies technical guidelines where precedents are not fully applicable;

Acts as technical authority in area of expertise providing technical consultative service to managers and others;

Installs, operates, maintains and calibrates a variety of specialized equipment and instruments;

Performs complex statistical analyses; prepares data for computer input; inter¬prets computer output;

Performs final preparation of data; develops graphs and tables for research publication; writes project reports; presents project findings to staff, other governmental or private groups;

Conducts literature research to obtain information regarding new experimental techniques and equipment;

Operates, calibrates, and maintains a variety of technical-analytical equipment and instrumentation to examine and measure biological, chemical and physical properties of various plant and animal materials;

Conducts animal surgery or dissections; conducts plant dissections and/or pol¬lination; rations growth regulating materials to plants; conducts specialized microscopic dissections; administers drugs to animals;

Identifies and characterizes physical properties: fungal, insect, viral and bacterial activity; plant and animal responses, appearance and behavior;

Performs bio-assays;

Confers with scientists or technical personnel concerning programs or projects;

Prepares rough manuscript drafts; serves as co-author of research publi¬cations;

Attends technical and professional meetings;

Performs other work as required;

May supervise or direct the work of others.

Knowledge of: statistical theory and techniques; logic and grammar; basic methods of problem solving; research methods; technical procedures; body of knowledge in specialty field; objectives of programs and activities.

Ability to: reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; gather and analyze data; provide technical expertise; participate in conferences and interviews; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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.

Baccalaureate Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical or agri¬cultural sciences AND two years of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 2

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

New class, consolidates 4506 Agricultural Research Technologist III, 95130 Natural Resource Research Technician 3; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.