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.

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.

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.

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