JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, performs routine biological or agricultural tests, examinations, and processes and performs manual activities in the care of animals and crops and maintains routine experimental records.
PRIMARY DUTIES
1. Provides research support by performing manual duties related to crop production, providing routine care and treatment for animals, monitoring the activity and performance of animals and crops, and documenting research findings and results.
2. Assists in performing laboratory and field activities in accordance with experimental protocol; posts dates and times of experimental steps, records temperature and instrument readings, prepares data summaries, charts and graphs.
3. Prepares specified fields/plots for planting crops; performs activities including plowing, spading, hoeing, raking, sterilizing, and applying fertilizer.
4. Performs routine maintenance/repairs on agricultural buildings, equipment and tools to ensure operational readiness, safety and cleanliness. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and coordinates repairs.
5. Performs greenhouse activities such as watering specified areas and crops, regulating temperature, humidity and lighting, and applying fertilizers and other chemicals.
6. Operates farm machinery including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers and hand tools.
7. Operates laboratory equipment such as spectrometer, nitrogen determination apparatus, centrifuges, and PH meters.
8. Acts as a liaison with the general public; assists with extension demonstrations and responds to routine inquiries and requests.
9. Maintains filing systems pertaining to agricultural research.
Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED
EXPERIENCE: Two years in related agricultural work.
OTHER: Valid Maryland Noncommerical Class C or equivalent driver's license.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
General knowledge of and ability to use farm equipment. General knowledge of basic arithmetic and ability to perform mathematical calculations. Ability to operate assigned laboratory equipment; to lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment, to climb, and to perform extensive standing and walking; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to work in extreme weather conditions.
OTHER:
Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Maryland Noncommercial Class B or equivalent driver's license may be required. If required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License, employees will be subjected to drug and alcohol education and testing as required under Federal Highway Administration and the State of Maryland regulations. Maryland State Department of Agriculture certification as a pesticide applicator may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job.
