CompGeo Salary Survey Benchmark Job Summary and Competencies

Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians

Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians

The Benchmark Job Description below represents the specific Position Characteristics of the job used in the Salary Survey. Benchmark Job Descriptions should be inspected carefully to review the degree of matching between an organizations' Job and the Salary Survey Benchmark. Matching internal Jobs to Salary Survey Benchmark Jobs should not be done on Job Title alone. A thorough comparison of Salary Survey Benchmark to Internal Job Descriptions is recommended. A good overlap should exist on any comparisons used on critical Job Dimensions and Competencies.
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
Summary Job Description Tasks
Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Receive and prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
 
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, and animal care.
 
Collect samples from crops or animals so testing can be performed.
 
Prepare data summaries, reports, and analyses that include results, charts, and graphs to document research findings and results.
 
Adjust testing equipment, and prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
 
Operate laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, and potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
 
Measure or weigh ingredients used in testing or for purposes such as animal feed.
 
Plant seeds in specified areas, and count the resulting plants to determine the percentage of seeds that germinated.
 
Supervise pest or weed control operations including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, scheduling application, and training operators.
 
Measure and mark plot areas, and plow, disc, level, and otherwise prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards and vineyards.
 
Conduct insect and plant disease surveys.
 
Examine animals and specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
 
Perform general nursery duties such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, and controlling environmental conditions.
 
Operate farm machinery including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, and trucks.
 
Perform crop production duties such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, and harvesting crops.
 
Devise cultural methods and environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
 
Maintain and repair agricultural facilities, equipment, and tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
 
Set up laboratory or field equipment, and prepare sites for testing.
 
Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
 
Supervise and train agricultural technicians and farm laborers.
 
Prepare and present agricultural demonstrations.
 
Respond to inquiries and requests from the public that do not require specialized scientific knowledge or expertise.
 
Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, and preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, and nutrients.
 
Provide assistance to food scientists and technologists in research and development, production technology, and quality control.
 
Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
 
Record and compile test results, and prepare graphs, charts, and reports.
 
Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
 
Analyze test results to classify products, or compare results with standard tables.
 
Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications, or to select samples with specific characteristics.
 
Examine chemical and biological samples to identify cell structures and to locate bacteria, or extraneous material, using a microscope.
 
Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
 
Measure, test, and weigh bottles, cans, and other containers to ensure hardness, strength, and dimensions that meet specifications.
 
Prepare slides and incubate slides with cell cultures.
 
Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.
 
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
Important Knowledge Competencies Competency Description
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 
Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
 
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 
Biology Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
 
Chemistry Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
 
Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
 
Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 
Food Production Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
 
Biology Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
 
Food Production Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
 
Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
 
Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
 
Chemistry Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
 
Public Safety and Security Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
 
Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
 
Clerical Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
 
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
Important Skill Competencies Competency Description
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
 
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
 
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
 
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
 
Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
 
Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
 
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
 
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
 
Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
 
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
 
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
 
Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
 
Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
 
Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
 
Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
 
Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
 
Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
 
Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
 
Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
 
Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
 
Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
 
Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
 
Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
 
Operation Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
 
Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
 
Mathematics Using mathematics to solve problems.
 
Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
 
Mathematics Using mathematics to solve problems.
 
Instructing Teaching others how to do something.
 
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
Important Ability Competencies Competency Description
Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
 
Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
 
Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
 
Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
 
Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
 
Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
 
Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
 
Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
 
Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
 
Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
 
Category Flexibility The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
 
Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
 
Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
 
Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
 
Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
 
Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
 
Mathematical Reasoning The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
 
Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
 
Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
 
Category Flexibility The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
 
Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
 
Mathematical Reasoning The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
 
Number Facility The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
 
Flexibility of Closure The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
 
Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
 
Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
 
Time Sharing The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
 
Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
 
Fluency of Ideas The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
 
Originality The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
 
Flexibility of Closure The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
 
Perceptual Speed The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
 
Visualization The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
 
Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
 
Far Vision The ability to see details at a distance.
 
Visual Color Discrimination The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
 
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
Prerequisite Qualification Category Education and Experience Level
On-the-Job Training Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
 
Required Level of Education Bachelor's Degree
 
On-the-Job Training Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
 
On-Site or In-Plant Training Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
 
Required Level of Education Bachelor's Degree
 
Related Work Experience Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
 
On-Site or In-Plant Training Up to and including 1 month
 
On-Site or In-Plant Training Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
 
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
Alternate Job Title(s)
Acidity Tester
Agricultural Laboratory Technician
Agricultural Research Technician
Agricultural Research Technologist
Agricultural Researcher
Agricultural Specialist
Agricultural Technician
Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant
Agriculture Technician
Agronomy Technician
Alfalfa Research Assistant
Bacteriological Testing Coordinator
Beer Brewer
Bench Technician
Biological Aide
Biotechnician
Biotechnician
Blood Tester
Bottle House Quality Control Technician
Brew Master
Brewer
Butter Fat Tester
Cattle Tester
Certified Seed Analyst
Cheese Tester
Chemist
Confectionery Technologist
Cotton Program Technician
County Extension Agent
Cow Tester
Cream Tester
Culture Media Laboratory Assistant
Dairy Lab Technician
Dairy Technologist
Dairy Tester
Dairy and Food Laboratory Assistant
Extension Associate
Feed Mill Lab Technician
Feed Research Aide
Feed Research Technician
Fermentologist
Field Service Poultry Technician
Food Analyst
Food Critic
Food Products Tester
Food Quality Technician
Food Science Technician
Food Science Technician
Food Taster
Food Technologist
Food Tester
Fowl Blood Tester
Fruit Tester
Germination Analyst
Greenhouse Technician
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Coordinator (HACCP Coordinator)
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Technician (HACCP Technician)
Insect Control Aide
Juice Standardizer
Juice Tester
Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)
Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant)
Laboratory Auditor (Lab Auditor)
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician)
Landscaping Specialist
Malt Specifications Control Assistant
Microbiologist
Milk Tester
Moisture Tester
Operations Technician
Permaculture Contractor
Pest Management Technical Support Specialist
Plant Control Aide
Poultry Diagnostics Research Specialist
Process Quality Technician
Processing Technician
Quality Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
Quality Assurance Inspector (QA Inspector)
Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician (QA Laboratory Technician)
Quality Assurance Manager (QA Manager)
Quality Assurance Supervisor (QA Supervisor)
Quality Assurance Technician (QA Technician)
Quality Control Analyst (QC Analyst)
Quality Control Manager (QC Manager)
Quality Control Technician (QC Technician)
Quality Technician
Registered Seed Technologist
Regulatory Testing Coordinator
Research Assistant
Research Associate
Research Technician
Research and Development Laboratory Technician (R & D Lab Technician)
Scientist
Seed Analysis Laboratory Assistant
Seed Analyst
Seed Expert
Seed Laboratory Assistant
Seed Specialist
Seed Tester
Sensory Analyst
Sugarcane Research Technician
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Taste Tester
Technical Services Analyst
Technician
Technician
Test Baker
Urban Gardening Specialist
Weed Science Research Technician
Yeast Culture Developer
 
CompGeo Occupation Group: Engineering/Scientific
Job Family: Technicians/Technologsts Other
Benchmark Title: Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
 
 
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