Biological Science Technician I

Description

Biological Science Technician I

Available position: 1 (Tamarixia field insectary project) 

License or Other Requirement: Valid Driver’s License, B.S. Biology or related degree 

Compensation; $20.18 - $22.70

Location: Various 

Work Hours/Shift: Various 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

I. PROGRAM/POSITION IDENTIFICATION 

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority that assists in protecting and supporting California’s agricultural industry and the consumers of its projects by providing services and staff who fairly, impartially, and dependably carry out their work. 

Under the general direction of Citrus Research Board Bio-control Program Supervisor/Entomologists, or CASS staff, the Biological Technician Is responsible for participating in activities which pertain to the biological control of the Asian citrus psyllid. 

Duties

Under the general supervision of a Bio-control program supervisor/Entomologist, as well as operating within established guidelines and procedures, the incumbent in this position contribute to achieve the goals outlined in the work plan developed by the ACP biological control team. The incumbent will play a leading role in the production and maintenance of ACP biological control agents such as Tamarixia radiata and Diomus, working closely with other team members under the supervision and guidance of the entomologist/team leader and perform biological and field studies as necessary. Work involves growing plants and rearing insects in the greenhouses and field settings.

· Take a leading role in production of T. radiata in the field cage insectaries, and assist in other projects as necessary.

· Develop daily and weekly plan related field cage insectary for production of T. radiata and execute the plan.

· Take good care of the field in general by pruning trees, removing weeds, applying fertilizers and irrigation as necessary.

· Understand and follow strict guidelines requirement while handling Asian citrus psyllid in the greenhouse and field cages and produce adequate numbers of ACP required for Tamarixia radiata production. 

· Safely operate a motor vehicle to travel to and from field sites. 

· Travel to various sites within California establishing field cage insectaries to support ACP biological control.

· Maintain general cleanliness of the workspace, the greenhouse, and laboratory.

· Help in field projects by deploying insect traps, insect pheromones, pesticides and biological control agents, collect them and record data. 

· Collects, analyzes, and records data from these studies through physical observations, counting. 

· Inputs data into the computer and produces summary statistics on the raw data and cross references facts, dates, and other data 

· Prepares summary statistics in the form of graphs and tables. 

· Assists Entomologists in organizing and conducting experiments and work on mass-rearing program and release program to refine rearing and release procedures. 

· Maintain good working relations with collaborators and cooperators.

· Other duties as assigned by the team leader.

Requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Duties for the job are primarily performed in the field, laboratories and greenhouses. When working in greenhouses and at field sites, the employee may be exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity. Terrain may vary from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable. The incumbent may be exposed to dust, pollen, moisture, and pesticide chemicals. Driving a vehicle, as well as, entering and exiting a vehicle. 

INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS 

The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships; work well under pressure; work independently; and work cooperatively with other staff members in completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines. Due to the nature of the industry, this work requires that employees be available for overtime, weekend work, and working on holidays. 

Attendance, punctuality and dependability are essential to the proper operation of CASS’s program. If unable to report for work on time or as scheduled, the incumbent must call a supervisor or lead person at least one hour before scheduled starting time. This allows for supervision to provide a replacement to cover the incumbent’s work shift. If delayed, for any reason, while traveling to report to work, ensure a supervisor or lead is contacted immediately, in order that management may assign a replacement to minimize a lapse in shift coverage. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to lift up to twenty pounds on a frequent basis; stand for long periods of time, use repetitive arm and wrist motions, bend, stoop, twist; and maintain visual acuity. 

 Recruitment Process

Applicants are advised that as part of CASS's recruiting process, only Human Resources personnel are authorized to extend conditional or official employment offers. Individuals involved in the interview process are not authorized to discuss or negotiate salary, benefits, or other terms of employment. All compensation and employment-related discussions will be handled exclusively by Human Resources personnel to ensure consistency and compliance with agency policies.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your application!

Cooperative Agricultural Support Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Salary : $20 - $23