This is the senior-level technician. Positions perform complex technical scientific duties involving selection or modification of existing research techniques, interpreting age structure, the results of tests and evaluates work performed by state agencies for compliance with interagency agreements.

Working under general direction of a biologist or higher level technician performs a variety of complex scientific duties. Positions may supervise lower level technicians in field sampling, analysis, surveys and laboratory tasks.

Recommends new or modified samples or testing methods, best management practices and resource management techniques to professional biological staff;

Assesses and documents anthropogenic features that affect habitat systems and processes;

Gathers and analyzes samples for the study and prioritization of fish and wildlife mitigation strategies;

Performs complex chemical and biological analyses on a variety of species of fish and shellfish;

Designs and conducts environmental studies on fish and shellfish, involving sampling, identification of parasites, age determination, analysis of component parts of the various species, basic bioassays and other research studies; organizes biological field programs which involve data collection, installation of biological devices on research projects;

Performs microscopic observations of various species of fish and shellfish, conducts limnological survey on fresh water reservoirs lakes and streams analyzing optimum fish rearing environment, and testing for origin, temperature and further analysis of dissolved solids; drafts summaries and reports on research studies and submits findings and recommendations on such studies;

May supervise other technicians;

Supervises and directs duties of lower level technicians in completion of workplace chemical sampling and monitoring activities;

Records and analyzes sampling results when required; or prepares samples for laboratory analysis;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: names and functions of principal organs of fish and shellfish; spawning habits and reproductive systems of vertebrates and crustaceans; natural habitats of fresh and salt water commercial and sport fish species; common fish diseases and parasites; laboratory tests for water pH, alkalinity, salinity, oxygen content, fluid density, and viscosity; biological sampling for limnological, pollution, migration, and population studies; commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.

Ability to: record and compile research data, using arithmetical and elementary statistical procedures; organize and present laboratory and field data in writing; enlist assistance and interest of others in biological and/or chemical sampling and data gathering projects; 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

AND

Four years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

OR

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science

AND

Four years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

New class adopted February 1, 1968.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Scientific Aide 3), adopted October 10, 1980.
Revise class. Revises definition, distinguishing characteristics and minimum qualifications, adopted September 14, 1990.
Revise class. Revises definition and minimum qualifications adopted May 15, 1992.
Revise class. Revises definition adopted September 10, 1992.
Revise class. Revises definition adopted July 1, 1999.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 53260), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, desirable qualifications, salary range adjustment, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.