MORGANSTATEUNIVERSITY
JOB SPECIFICATON
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR
Class Code: FLSA Code: N/E (Non-Exempt)
PayRange:
JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision, supervises and trains agricultural supportstaff and performs highly complex biological or agricultural tests,examinations and processes. Provides technical support to theresearch function. Performs manual activities in the care of animalsand crops.
PRIMARY DUTIES
- Supervises and trains subordinate personnel; determines workpriorities, plans schedules, assigns, reviews and evaluates work.
- Performs various activities to support agricultural research;conducts chemical analysis of soil and plants; develops plan,design and layout of plot work; plants, observes and recordschanges in plant growth, disease and insect conditions.
- Performs animal research activities including preparing cellcultures and observing incubation, making determinationsregarding cell growth and medium changes, maintaining recordsregarding behavior, weight, inoculations, food intake, etc.
- Performs technical activities related to the biological functionwhich may include dissecting animals and other organisms andpreparing tissue slides for microscopic study.
- Provides research support including recommending researchdesigns, documenting research findings and results, retrieving,recording and summarizing data from various devices.
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Agricultural Technician Supervisor
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- Collects specified data, ensuring adherence to research protocol;conducts statistical analysis of data, summarizes findings andprepares reports.
- Performs agricultural activities such as preparing seed,fertilizer and chemicals for plot application; planting,maintaining and harvesting field plots, and preparing plots forfuture experimentation and events.
- Prepares and presents agricultural demonstrations andinstructional presentations in the field and laboratory.
- Ensures adequate supplies, materials and equipment are maintainedin department; initiates and/or prepares all documentationrelated to purchase transactions, selects vendors, and managesthe ordering process.
- Operates standard equipment including personal computers, wordprocessors, calculators, atomic absorption spectrophotometers,nitrogen analyzers and various farm equipment.
Note:
The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide arepresentative summary of the major duties and responsibilities ofthis job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specificduties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED
EXPERIENCE: Six years progressively responsible experience inagriculture work, four years of which must have been in laboratory orfield research and two years of which must have been in a lead orsupervisory capacity.
OTHER: Valid Maryland Noncommercial Class C or equivalentdriver's license.
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Agricultural Technician Supervisor
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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices and equipment usage.Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in scientific methods and the useof related laboratory equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of and skillin the use of related farm equipment. Thorough knowledge ofmathematics including algebra, area, volume, weights, measures, andproportions and ability to perform mathematical and algebraiccalculations. Ability to use computers; to supervise and trainagricultural technicians and support staff; to communicate effectivelyboth orally and in writing; to lift and transport agriculturalsupplies, tools, and equipment, to climb, and to perform extensivestanding and walking; to wear and work in personal protectiveequipment; to work in extreme weather conditions.
OTHER:
Except for qualifications established by law, additionalrelated experience and formal education in which one has gained theknowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of thework of the job class may be substituted for the education orexperience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 collegecredits being equivalent to one year of experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Maryland NoncommercialClass B or equivalent driver's license may be required. If requiredto obtain a Commercial Driver's License, employees will be subjectedto drug and alcohol education and testing as required under FederalHighway Administration and the State of Maryland regulations.Certification by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture as apesticide applicator may be required. Candidates selected foremployment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medicalexaminations to determine ability to perform the job.