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.