YOUR DUTY AS A TECHNICAL OFFICER

BY

DENNIS OWUSU BOATENG

BUNSO COCOA COLLEGE (GHANA COCOA BOARD)

Life Science/Biological Technical Officer

Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of life scientists.

1. Isolates, identifies and collects living organisms and maintains collections of specimens
2. Conducts field and laboratory studies of life forms
3. Observes living organisms to study appearance, behaviour and life cycles
4. Conducts experiments and observes their results, to detail the reactions of living organisms to stimuli such as light and temperature, and the effect of environment, nutrition and chemical agents
5. Prepares specimens for microscopic observation by freezing, dehydrating, smearing, slicing and staining material and mounting it on glass slides
6. May use irradiation and radioactive isotopes and trace elements to conduct experiments
7. May assist in research into genetic engineering

Specialties

ü Botanical Technical Officer

ü Ecological Technical Officer

ü Environmental Technical Officer

ü Fisheries Technical Officer

ü Forestry Technical Officer

ü Wood Technologist

ü Zoology Technical Officer

 

Agricultural Technical Officer

Agricultural technical officers may perform the following tasks:

·      Work with agronomists (crop scientists) using small plot  experiments to compare plant varieties and test the effects of various treatments on growth and yield

·      Work with soil scientists to study irrigation techniques and analyse plants used in soil treatment experiments

·       Work with plant breeders to produce new strains and to select superior products

·       Work with animal breeders using artificial insemination techniques to produce offspring that mature earlier

·       Record and interpret experimental data in field experiments

·       Interpret aerial photographs and prepare maps showing soil and vegetation patterns

·       Assist in the chemical analysis and laboratory culture of micro-organisms which cause diseases in plants and animals

·       Carry out research and provide advice on various technical issues.