SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (PLANT INDUSTRY)
DEFINITION
SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN, PLANT INDUSTRY
(01923K, A15)
DEFINITION:
Under the limited supervision of a Principal Laboratory Technician, or other supervisory official, in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, performs and conducts complex technical laboratory work for the production and distribution of natural biological control agents for insect pests and invasive plants; takes lead over analysis and testing for plant diseases using bioassays to detect the presence of bacteria, nematodes, fungi and viruses; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Initiates and performs the work involved in the laboratory rearing of insect biological controls under controlled conditions; prepares and packages these organisms in an appropriate manner for field release.
Cares for and collects insects as required in the maintenance and development of breeding stock and in the evaluation of new or exotic insect species.
Instructs lower level Technicians in the collection, appropriate storage and care of living host material required in the rearing of insect parasites and disease organisms.
Examines parasitized insects to determine the specific causative agents.
Examines moribund and dead insects for the presence of the agent responsible, recognizes the symptoms and signs of virus diseases; obtains a pure culture and identifies specific insect diseases of a fungal or bacterial nature; classifies other diseases and parasitic organisms and screens them for expert examination.
Performs microscopic examinations on insects, plants and seeds for the presence of disease.
Performs diagnostic work on honeybees.
Performs seed germination.
Performs microscopic examinations on insects to determine sex of specimens.
Oversees quality control measures during the course of mass rearing.
Oversees and instructs others in the processing of plant material collected during field visits to commercial nurseries, farms and plant growers for laboratory examination and in the maintenance of such materials in appropriate condition pending examination.
Initiates and performs laboratory separations on soil and plant parts necessary for determination of plant parasitic nematodes.
Instructs lower level Technicians in methods/techniques used to perform various methods of rearing Biological control insects.
Performs analytical tests on plants for the detection of pests.
Performs microscopic examinations of nematodes and classifies these as specific plant pests.
Performs comparative laboratory observations concerned with habits and behavior of insect biological controls which may be required in the development of rearing techniques.
Oversees and participates in the preparation of insect diets and culture media.
Examines plant seed chemically and by bioassay to determine and evaluate treatment with approved seed disinfectants.
Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative written and electronic records of laboratory work undertaken and reports to the progress of field and laboratory work containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Conducts bioassays for the detection of plant diseases for the presences of bacteria, fungi, or viruses
May assist with training new employees.
Maintains essential laboratory records, reports, and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilizes various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Successful completion of sixty (60) semester hour credits at an accredited college or university, twelve (12) semester hour credits of which shall have been in the biological sciences and twelve (12) additional semester hour credits in any combination of the biological and/or physical sciences.
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience as a technician in an agricultural or research laboratory dealing with biological studies of pests and disease analysis on plants.
NOTE: Applicants who have successfully completed twelve (12) semester hour credits in the biological sciences and twelve (12) additional semester hour credits in any combination of the biological and/or physical sciences may substitute experience as a laboratory worker in an agricultural testing or research laboratory maintaining living insects, plant cultures, greenhouse work or identifying insects for the remaining education on a year for year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the biological sciences, including entomology, horticulture, botany, general zoology, and microorganisms.
Knowledge of insect behavior, rearing requirements and culture techniques.
Knowledge of the purposes of biological control techniques and precautions to be observed in their use.
Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in receiving, identifying, analyzing, labeling,
shipping and other handling of biological materials.
Knowledge of the laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents, and techniques.
Knowledge of the plant materials affected by plant pests and diseases.
Ability to organize assigned laboratory work and carry assignments to completion.
Ability to comprehend and apply standard and prescribed procedures of a quantitative chemical nature.
Ability to give assignments and instructions to individuals/groups of laboratory employees.
Ability to perform laboratory analyses and tests of varied types in accord with standard and established procedures.
Ability to carry out routine laboratory bioassay and culture techniques of varied types in accordance with standard and prescribed procedures.
Ability to observe and apply the precautions necessary in handling materials of a biological and chemical nature which may be hazardous to health, property, and the natural environment.
Ability to be precise, accurate, and orderly in the work required in receiving, identifying, analyzing, labeling, and other handling of materials and specimens.
Ability to comprehend and to observe habits/behavior of insect development for rearing requirements and culture techniques.
Ability to keep current with and to interpret and apply the published literature in the appropriate biological and chemical fields.
Ability to use and maintain laboratory equipment, utensils, materials and supplies in a professional manner, avoiding unnecessary breakage, deterioration or loss.
Ability to carry out and oversee investigations of behavior, characteristics or culture requirements of biological control organisms.
Ability to discuss laboratory operation and the concepts of biological control with interested
laymen and professionals.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of field inspections and laboratory analyses and examinations containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
JobSENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN, PLANT INDUSTRY
(, A15)
\n\nUnder the limited supervision of a Principal Laboratory Technician, or other supervisory official, in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, performs and conducts complex technical laboratory work for the production and distribution of natural biological control agents for insect pests and invasive plants; takes lead over analysis and testing for plant diseases using bioassays to detect the presence of bacteria, nematodes, fungi and viruses; does other related duties as required.
","NOTE":"The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.\n\nApplicants who have successfully completed twelve (12) semester hour credits in the biological sciences and twelve (12) additional semester hour credits in any combination of the biological and/or physical sciences may substitute experience as a laboratory worker in an agricultural testing or research laboratory maintaining living insects, plant cultures, greenhouse work or identifying insects for the remaining education on a year for year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.","EXAMPLES_OF_WORK":"Initiates and performs the work involved in the laboratory rearing of insect biological controls under controlled conditions; prepares and packages these organisms in an appropriate manner for field release.
Cares for and collects insects as required in the maintenance and development of breeding stock and in the evaluation of new or exotic insect species.
Instructs lower level Technicians in the collection, appropriate storage and care of living host material required in the rearing of insect parasites and disease organisms.
Examines parasitized insects to determine the specific causative agents.
Examines moribund and dead insects for the presence of the agent responsible, recognizes the symptoms and signs of virus diseases; obtains a pure culture and identifies specific insect diseases of a fungal or bacterial nature; classifies other diseases and parasitic organisms and screens them for expert examination.
Performs microscopic examinations on insects, plants and seeds for the presence of disease.
Performs diagnostic work on honeybees.
Performs seed germination.
Performs microscopic examinations on insects to determine sex of specimens.
Oversees quality control measures during the course of mass rearing.
Oversees and instructs others in the processing of plant material collected during field visits to commercial nurseries, farms and plant growers for laboratory examination and in the maintenance of such materials in appropriate condition pending examination.
Initiates and performs laboratory separations on soil and plant parts necessary for determination of plant parasitic nematodes.
Instructs lower level Technicians in methods/techniques used to perform various methods of rearing Biological control insects.
Performs analytical tests on plants for the detection of pests.
Performs microscopic examinations of nematodes and classifies these as specific plant pests.
Performs comparative laboratory observations concerned with habits and behavior of insect biological controls which may be required in the development of rearing techniques.
Oversees and participates in the preparation of insect diets and culture media.
Examines plant seed chemically and by bioassay to determine and evaluate treatment with approved seed disinfectants.
Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative written and electronic records of laboratory work undertaken and reports to the progress of field and laboratory work containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Conducts bioassays for the detection of plant diseases for the presences of bacteria, fungi, or viruses
May assist with training new employees.
Maintains essential laboratory records, reports, and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilizes various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
","REQUIREMENTS":"","EDUCATION":"Successful completion of sixty (60) semester hour credits at an accredited college or university, twelve (12) semester hour credits of which shall have been in the biological sciences and twelve (12) additional semester hour credits in any combination of the biological and/or physical sciences.
","EXPERIENCE":"One (1) year of experience as a technician in an agricultural or research laboratory dealing with biological studies of pests and disease analysis on plants.
","LICENSE":"Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
","KNOWLEDGE_AND_ABILITIES":"Knowledge of the biological sciences, including entomology, horticulture, botany, general zoology, and microorganisms.
Knowledge of insect behavior, rearing requirements and culture techniques.
Knowledge of the purposes of biological control techniques and precautions to be observed in their use.
Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in receiving, identifying, analyzing, labeling,
shipping and other handling of biological materials.
Knowledge of the laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents, and techniques.
Knowledge of the plant materials affected by plant pests and diseases.
Ability to organize assigned laboratory work and carry assignments to completion.
Ability to comprehend and apply standard and prescribed procedures of a quantitative chemical nature.
Ability to give assignments and instructions to individuals/groups of laboratory employees.
Ability to perform laboratory analyses and tests of varied types in accord with standard and established procedures.
Ability to carry out routine laboratory bioassay and culture techniques of varied types in accordance with standard and prescribed procedures.
Ability to observe and apply the precautions necessary in handling materials of a biological and chemical nature which may be hazardous to health, property, and the natural environment.
Ability to be precise, accurate, and orderly in the work required in receiving, identifying, analyzing, labeling, and other handling of materials and specimens.
Ability to comprehend and to observe habits/behavior of insect development for rearing requirements and culture techniques.
Ability to keep current with and to interpret and apply the published literature in the appropriate biological and chemical fields.
Ability to use and maintain laboratory equipment, utensils, materials and supplies in a professional manner, avoiding unnecessary breakage, deterioration or loss.
Ability to carry out and oversee investigations of behavior, characteristics or culture requirements of biological control organisms.
Ability to discuss laboratory operation and the concepts of biological control with interested
laymen and professionals.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of field inspections and laboratory analyses and examinations containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
"},"searchable_text":"SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (PLANT INDUSTRY) DEFINITION SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN, PLANT INDUSTRY (01923K, A15) DEFINITION: Under the limited supervision of a Principal Laboratory Technician, or other supervisory official, in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, performs and conducts complex technical laboratory work for the production and distribution of natural biological control agents for insect pests and invasive plants; takes lead over analysis and testing for plant diseases using bioassays to detect the presence of bacteria, nematodes, fungi and viruses; does other related duties as required. NOTE : The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. EXAMPLES OF WORK : Initiates and performs the work involved in the laboratory rearing of insect biological controls under controlled conditions; prepares and packages these organisms in an appropriate manner for field release. Cares for and collects insects as required in the maintenance and development of breeding stock and in the evaluation of new or exotic insect species. Instructs lower level Technicians in the collection, appropriate storage and care of living host material required in the rearing of insect parasites and disease organisms. Examines parasitized insects to determine the specific causative agents. Examines moribund and dead insects for the presence of the agent responsible, recognizes the symptoms and signs of virus diseases; obtains a pure culture and identifies specific insect diseases of a fungal or bacterial nature; classifies other diseases and parasitic organisms and screens them for expert examination. Performs microscopic examinations on insects, plants and seeds for the presence of disease. Performs diagnostic work on honeybees. Performs seed germination. Performs microscopic examinations on insects to determine sex of specimens. Oversees quality control measures during the course of mass rearing. Oversees and instructs others in the processing of plant material collected during field visits to commercial nurseries, farms and plant growers for laboratory examination and in the maintenance of such materials in appropriate condition pending examination. Initiates and performs laboratory separations on soil and plant parts necessary for determination of plant parasitic nematodes. Instructs lower level Technicians in methods/techniques used to perform various methods of rearing Biological control insects. Performs analytical tests on plants for the detection of pests. Performs microscopic examinations of nematodes and classifies these as specific plant pests. Performs comparative laboratory observations concerned with habits and behavior of insect biological controls which may be required in the development of rearing techniques. Oversees and participates in the preparation of insect diets and culture media. Examines plant seed chemically and by bioassay to determine and evaluate treatment with approved seed disinfectants. Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative written and electronic records of laboratory work undertaken and reports to the progress of field and laboratory work containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Conducts bioassays for the detection of plant diseases for the presences of bacteria, fungi, or viruses May assist with training new employees. Maintains essential laboratory records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn how to utilizes various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. REQUIREMENTS : EDUCATION : Successful completion of sixty (60) semester hour credits at an accredited college or university, twelve (12) semester hour credits of which shall have been in the biological sciences and twelve (12) additional semester hour credits in any combination of the biological and/or physical sciences. EXPERIENCE : One (1) year of experience as a technician in an agricultural or research laboratory dealing with biological studies of pests and disease analysis on plants. NOTE: Applicants who have successfully completed twelve (12) semester hour credits in the biological sciences and twelve (12) additional semester hour credits in any combination of the biological and/or physical sciences may substitute experience as a laboratory worker in an agricultural testing or research laboratory maintaining living insects, plant cultures, greenhouse work or identifying insects for the remaining education on a year for year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience. LICENSE : Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES : Knowledge of the biological sciences, including entomology, horticulture, botany, general zoology, and microorganisms. Knowledge of insect behavior, rearing requirements and culture techniques. Knowledge of the purposes of biological control techniques and precautions to be observed in their use. Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in receiving, identifying, analyzing, labeling, shipping and other handling of biological materials. Knowledge of the laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents, and techniques. Knowledge of the plant materials affected by plant pests and diseases. Ability to organize assigned laboratory work and carry assignments to completion. Ability to comprehend and apply standard and prescribed procedures of a quantitative chemical nature. Ability to give assignments and instructions to individuals/groups of laboratory employees. Ability to perform laboratory analyses and tests of varied types in accord with standard and established procedures. Ability to carry out routine laboratory bioassay and culture techniques of varied types in accordance with standard and prescribed procedures. Ability to observe and apply the precautions necessary in handling materials of a biological and chemical nature which may be hazardous to health, property, and the natural environment. Ability to be precise, accurate, and orderly in the work required in receiving, identifying, analyzing, labeling, and other handling of materials and specimens. Ability to comprehend and to observe habits/behavior of insect development for rearing requirements and culture techniques. Ability to keep current with and to interpret and apply the published literature in the appropriate biological and chemical fields. Ability to use and maintain laboratory equipment, utensils, materials and supplies in a professional manner, avoiding unnecessary breakage, deterioration or loss. Ability to carry out and oversee investigations of behavior, characteristics or culture requirements of biological control organisms. Ability to discuss laboratory operation and the concepts of biological control with interested laymen and professionals. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of field inspections and laboratory analyses and examinations containing findings, conclusions and recommendations Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code: Job Spec Code Variant State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range Note 01923K Plant Industry S C 35 16 N/A A15 - This job specification is for state government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 12/14/24","snippet":"SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (PLANT INDUSTRY) DEFINITION SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN, PLANT INDUSTRY (01923K, A15) DEFINITION: Under the limited supervision of a Principal Laboratory Technician, or o...","salary_meta":{"range_number":15,"min_salary":49266.17,"max_salary":71402.83,"increment":2213.67,"schedule_year":2025},"education_level":"associate","experience_years":1,"has_license_requirement":true,"license_types":["driver"],"pension_system":"PERS","revision_date":"2024-12-14","erg_prefix":"A","erg_schedule":"A-P-R-S","range_number":15,"erg_name":"Administrative and Clerical Services Unit","erg_union":"CWA","familyId":"senior-laboratory-technician","familyName":"SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN","level":null,"specialization":"PLANT INDUSTRY","prefix":null,"isSupervisory":false}