Definition
This is the journey-level technician. Positions collect field data and review, record and tabulate data gathered by themselves, biologist and staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Working under general supervision of a biologist or higher level technician positions perform a variety of reoccurring technical scientific duties in the field or laboratory using established procedures. Perform commercial and recreational fishery sampling, analysis, observation and monitoring. Present field or laboratory data in writing to biologist or higher level technician. Positions assigned to a laboratory perform duties using established procedures that require or allow minimal modification by Technicians.
Typical Work
Conducts commercial and recreational fishery sampling, fishery analysis, fishery observation, experimental gear monitoring and a variety of monitoring activities;
Writes scientific reports to inform research and direct policy decisions;
Conducts reoccurring chemical tests to determine concentrations of specific chemicals or organic matters; uses laboratory equipment; records laboratory data and uses prescribed arithmetic and statistical procedures to refine it; compiles charts; draws graphs; prepares illustrations;
Conducts visual and microscopic examinations of fish and biological samples to identify specific parasites, organisms, or abnormalities; grows cultures, phytoplankton, and marine animals under close environmental control;
Assists with stream characterization sampling along established plots or transects, including cross sections and longitudinal profiles; documents habitat quality and structure;
Explains research projects, procedures, and objectives to sport, tribal, and commercial fishers to enlist their cooperation in watching for marked fish and recording types and locations of catch;
Interacts and educates commercial and recreational fishers, private and public landowners on tribal and recreational fisheries, traditional and modern methods and tools of fishing, the mix of hatchery fish and wild run fish and opportunities to hunt or fish;
Directs crew in water and marine life sampling, seining, spawning-area counts, experimental fishing, interviewing fishers, fish marking and tagging; egg taking, and variety of other data-gathering field projects;
Installs and adjusts experimental fish screens, filters, holding tanks, traps, sampling gear, and small field research facilities; performs routine maintenance on research equipment and laboratory instruments;
Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;
Performs other work as required.
Writes scientific reports to inform research and direct policy decisions;
Conducts reoccurring chemical tests to determine concentrations of specific chemicals or organic matters; uses laboratory equipment; records laboratory data and uses prescribed arithmetic and statistical procedures to refine it; compiles charts; draws graphs; prepares illustrations;
Conducts visual and microscopic examinations of fish and biological samples to identify specific parasites, organisms, or abnormalities; grows cultures, phytoplankton, and marine animals under close environmental control;
Assists with stream characterization sampling along established plots or transects, including cross sections and longitudinal profiles; documents habitat quality and structure;
Explains research projects, procedures, and objectives to sport, tribal, and commercial fishers to enlist their cooperation in watching for marked fish and recording types and locations of catch;
Interacts and educates commercial and recreational fishers, private and public landowners on tribal and recreational fisheries, traditional and modern methods and tools of fishing, the mix of hatchery fish and wild run fish and opportunities to hunt or fish;
Directs crew in water and marine life sampling, seining, spawning-area counts, experimental fishing, interviewing fishers, fish marking and tagging; egg taking, and variety of other data-gathering field projects;
Installs and adjusts experimental fish screens, filters, holding tanks, traps, sampling gear, and small field research facilities; performs routine maintenance on research equipment and laboratory instruments;
Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;
Performs other work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
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 arithmetic 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; operate, trailer and transport a variety of vessels.
Ability to: record and compile research data, using arithmetic 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; operate, trailer and transport a variety of vessels.
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.
Desirable Qualifications
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
OR
Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a 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 science classes.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
New class adopted December 1, 1967.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Scientific Aide 2); adopted October 10, 1980.
Revise class. Revises definition, minimum qualifications and adds distinguishing characteristics; adopted September 14, 1990.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 53240), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, desirable qualifications, salary range adjustment, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Scientific Aide 2); adopted October 10, 1980.
Revise class. Revises definition, minimum qualifications and adds distinguishing characteristics; adopted September 14, 1990.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 53240), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, desirable qualifications, salary range adjustment, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.
