Performs senior level research and investigative duties under the general direction of a prime investigator or research scientist(s) in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences as applied to agriculture and/or supervises a specialized large scale facility supporting natural resource research or a practicing scientist.

Positions have an integral role in the design elements of an experiment. Positions are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating assigned experiments under minimal direction; developing and testing investigative procedures; analyzing complex statistical data; and preparing rough manuscript drafts for technical papers. Positions fulfill broad objectives within a research plan and are responsible for a principal phase of a major research project with accountability for supportive planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting. Positions are frequently required to independently evaluate highly complex conditions and data involving a wide range of variability and develop new techniques as needed to solve specific problems.

Selects methods, procedures and sites to meet objectives of study plan; develops technical recording and reporting procedures; trains and supervises personnel in survey, sampling, reporting, analysis and other project tasks; samples, analyzes and evaluates specific types of data; takes action or makes recommendations based on preliminary interpretation of data;

Designs and carries out experiments; evaluates, modifies and applies related methods, procedures and techniques developed by others in specialized area of study; selects, interprets and applies technical guidelines where precedents are not fully applicable;

Acts as technical authority in area of expertise providing technical consultative service to managers and others;

Installs, operates, maintains and calibrates a variety of specialized equipment and instruments;

Performs complex statistical analyses; prepares data for computer input; inter¬prets computer output;

Performs final preparation of data; develops graphs and tables for research publication; writes project reports; presents project findings to staff, other governmental or private groups;

Conducts literature research to obtain information regarding new experimental techniques and equipment;

Operates, calibrates, and maintains a variety of technical-analytical equipment and instrumentation to examine and measure biological, chemical and physical properties of various plant and animal materials;

Conducts animal surgery or dissections; conducts plant dissections and/or pol¬lination; rations growth regulating materials to plants; conducts specialized microscopic dissections; administers drugs to animals;

Identifies and characterizes physical properties: fungal, insect, viral and bacterial activity; plant and animal responses, appearance and behavior;

Performs bio-assays;

Confers with scientists or technical personnel concerning programs or projects;

Prepares rough manuscript drafts; serves as co-author of research publi¬cations;

Attends technical and professional meetings;

Performs other work as required;

May supervise or direct the work of others.

Knowledge of: statistical theory and techniques; logic and grammar; basic methods of problem solving; research methods; technical procedures; body of knowledge in specialty field; objectives of programs and activities.

Ability to: reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; gather and analyze data; provide technical expertise; participate in conferences and interviews; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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.

Baccalaureate Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical or agri¬cultural sciences AND two years of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 2

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

New class, consolidates 4506 Agricultural Research Technologist III, 95130 Natural Resource Research Technician 3; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.