Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Under general supervision of the Agriculture Program Supervisor I, the Agricultural Technician II Program (Seasonal), independently performs the more difficult, varied, and responsible duties in a laboratory setting.
• Screen wet and dry traps for target insect pests such as, but not limited to, Mediterranean, Mexican, Oriental, and Melon fruit flies.
• Follow established protocols to examine insects submitted from trapping programs for the presence for fluorescent dye through the use of microscope, ultraviolet black-light, light magnifier, and forceps.
• Separate fruit flies and other target insects from non-target insects found in samples submitted from traps. This can include insect samples stored in isopropyl alcohol from McPhail traps.
• Prepare and submit suspect fruit flies and other target pests to lead for secondary inspection and further diagnostics.
• Maintain a clear chain of custody with all samples and ensure samples are handled with extreme care.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies needed for the insect identification process.
• Follow an established work routine and process to sanitize and organize reusable trapping supplies and materials for redistribution to field offices.
• Assist in the accurate organization of technical data concerning trap and fly counts and trap locations.
• Submit daily reports to supervisor or lead at the end of each day when requested for reporting purposes.
• Enter technical data into computers or other electronic devices such as tablets.
• Document hours worked. Ensure timesheet, sign-in sheets, monthly MACx and other official documents are submitted to supervisor or lead in a timely manner.
• Maintain equipment and supplies needed for identification process.
• Organize recyclable trapping materials.
• Assure used vials are properly cleaned and no insect remains are left inside.
• Perform routine lab maintenance and cleaning.
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
The duties of this position are primarily indoors. The Identification Section laboratory is housed in modular trailers and furnished with desks, chairs, and office equipment. The Agricultural Technician Is work area includes a folding table, a chair, a dissecting microscope, an ultraviolent lamp, a white lamp, and various dissecting tools such as forceps and probes. The laboratory is kept dark much of the day so that fluorescent dye is visible.
The incumbent will be required to drive, exit and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday, must possess a valid CA drivers’ license and maintain a good standing driving record to operate a state motor vehicle safely and responsibly, be able to apply pesticides, work well under extreme time constraints, exercise good judgement, determine priorities, make appropriate well-thought out decisions, allocate staff and resources to achieve maximum results, maintain focus under conditions of duress, and provide accurate assessment of rapidly changing situations (ex. Multiple exotic pest detections requiring multiple operations).
