Performs a variety of technical scientific duties in laboratory and/or field.

This is the journey level of the class series. In addition to collecting field data, incumbents in positions allocated to this class also review, record, and tabulate data gathered by themselves and/or others. Incumbents assigned to a laboratory perform duties using established procedures that require or allow minimal modification by Technicians.

Conducts recurrent chemical tests to determine concentrations of specific chemicals or organic matters; uses spectrophotometer, beta-ray detection, electronic balances, and other standard 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;

Explains research projects, procedures, and objectives to sport, Indian, and commercial fishermen to enlist their cooperation in watching for marked fish and recording types and locations of catch;

Directs crew in water and marine life sampling, seining, spawning-area counts, experimental fishing, fisherman interviewing, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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