Supervises technicians in sampling, habitat, or harvest management surveys; monitors commercial landings of multi species marine fish catches for an assigned region/area; serves as the assistant manager for a laboratory managed by a higher level Scientific Technician; or performs advanced technical scientific duties in laboratory or field; or supervises technicians in completion of occupational health sampling and monitoring in a workplace setting.

Advanced technical scientific duties require the exercise of discretion in selecting or modifying existing research techniques; the use of judgment in interpreting age structures or the results of tests; or the evaluation of work performed by another agency for compliance with interagency agreements.

Performs complex chemical and biological analyses on a variety of species of salmon, shellfish and groundfish;

Conducts environmental studies on salmon, groundfish and shellfish, involving sampling, identification of parasites, age determination, analysis of component parts of the various species, basic bioassays and other research studies; organizes biological field programs which involve data collection, installation of biological devices on research projects;

Performs microscopic observations of various species of shellfish, salmon and groundfish; conducts limnological survey on fresh water reservoirs analyzing optimum fish rearing environment, and testing for origin, temperature and further analysis of dissolved solids; drafts summaries and reports on research studies and submits findings and recommendations on such studies;

May supervise other aides;

Supervises and directs duties of lower level technicians in completion of workplace chemical sampling and monitoring activities;

Performs high level advanced technical sampling of air contaminants and noise levels under direction of health or safety professional;

Records and analyzes sampling results when required; or prepares samples for laboratory analysis;

Maintains field sample media and respirator supply inventory and initiates laboratory requests for sampling supplies and respirator cartridges as necessary;

Maintains and calibrates sampling equipment for use by industrial hygienists, safety and health officers, safety and health consultants or other technicians;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: names and functions of principal organs of fish and shellfish; spawning habits and reproductive systems of vertebrates and crustaceans; natural habitats of fresh and salt water commercial and sport fish species; common fish diseases and parasites; laboratory tests for water pH, alkalinity, salinity, oxygen content, fluid density, and viscosity; biological sampling for limnological, pollution, migration, and population studies; commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.

Ability to: record and compile research data, using arithmetical and elementary statistical procedures; organize and present laboratory and field data in writing; enlist assistance and interest of others in biological and/or chemical sampling and data gathering projects.

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.

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science,

AND

Four years of experience as a Scientific Technician. 

OR

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science

AND

Four years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

New class adopted February 1, 1968.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Scientific Aide 3), adopted October 10, 1980.
Revise class. Revises definition, distinguishing characteristics and minimum qualifications, adopted September 14, 1990.
Revise class. Revises definition and minimum qualifications adopted May 15, 1992.
Revise class. Revises definition adopted September 10, 1992.
Revise class. Revises definition adopted July 1, 1999.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 53260), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.