This is the entry-level technician. Positions perform routine technical scientific duties in the field or laboratory.

Working under direct or close supervision of a biologist or higher level technician positions perform a variety of routine technical scientific duties in the field or laboratory to complete assignments or tasks.

Performs routine and special chemical and biological tests; collects biological and chemical samples using established field techniques and equipment including packaging, preservation, and transportation of samples; performs computations;

Prepares, adjusts and standardizes chemical reagents, micro-biological culture media and prepares chemical and biological apparatus for field and laboratory use;

Performs rough carpentry, cement work, site clearance, and other labor in helping to construct special fish traps, seining sites, research gear, and small field installations; operates and maintains boats, rafts, canoes in marine, river, lake and small stream environment, and outboard motors and various types of sampling and processing gear, and light automotive equipment;

Clears streams and installs culverts;

Locates shellfish experimental plot boundaries; patrols oyster reserve areas by boat; observes commercial harvesting of reserve oysters under contract;

Records and maintains accurate field and laboratory records including logs and biological and chemical data as directed by biologist or higher level technician;

Maintains chemical and biological laboratory and field equipment; maintains fresh and salt water aquaria; prepares chemical and biological specimens for further analysis by chemist or biologist;

Prepares and operates laboratory and field analytical equipment;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: elementary biology and chemistry; care and operation of laboratory equipment; fundamental use of microscopes and other laboratory and field equipment utilized in the biological and chemical area.

Ability to: work in inclement weather; use carpentry hand tools; carry out oral and written instructions; prepare routine chemical and biological field and laboratory report; operate, trailer and transport a variety of vessels.

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.

Equivalent education/experience.

New class adopted December 1, 1967.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Scientific Aide 1), adopted October 10, 1980.
Revise class. Revises definition, minimum qualifications, adds distinguishing characteristics; adopted September 14, 1990.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 53220); adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.