BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42003320 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

State of Florida • Kissimmee, FL

2d • $48,000 - $51,000

About The Position

The Biological Scientist I works in the Bacteriology Section of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry. The role performs veterinary laboratory diagnostic testing, including isolation and identification of bacterial and mycotic pathogens from terrestrial and aquatic animals, use of instruments to identify bacterial isolates, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The incumbent evaluates case histories to select culture techniques, conducts metabolic and microscopic tests, prepares culture slants for submission to central or reference laboratories, and performs Contagious Equine Metritis swab cultures according to National Veterinary Services Laboratories guidelines after training.

The position processes samples under applicable Quality Assurance practices and Standard Operating Procedures, maintains laboratory records and enters procedures and results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). It supports auxiliary microbiology activities, including supply monitoring, equipment maintenance checks, proficiency testing, quality-system documentation, and maintenance of stock prototype cultures. The incumbent archives target organisms for antimicrobial resistance testing and whole genome sequencing programs.

The role also includes cross-training with other laboratory sections, conducting assigned testing and reporting in sections for which the employee is trained, and carrying out related work such as media-making, culture maintenance, case coordination, and sending samples to outside laboratories. When assigned, the incumbent assists Shipping and Receiving with sample processing, accessioning, data entry, and packaging and shipping. The position may require occasional travel, alternate work hours, use of personal protective equipment, and respirator use after required medical evaluation and fit-testing. This opportunity is limited to current employees of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences.
• Valid Class E driver license.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to properly use pipettes.
• Ability and knowledge to handle and examine culture media and properly identify and handle potential zoonotic pathogens.
• Must pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation, undergo and pass regular respirator fit-testing, and wear a respirator when required.
• Must wear personal protective equipment when required.
• Must be able to work some alternate hours to accomplish duties and responsibilities.
• Must be a current employee of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform veterinary laboratory diagnostic tests in the Bacteriology Section, including isolation and identification of bacterial and mycotic pathogens from terrestrial and aquatic animals.
• Use appropriate instruments to identify bacterial isolates and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Evaluate case histories to determine suitable culture techniques for recovering suspected pathogens.
• Conduct metabolic and microscopic tests to identify isolates accurately.
• Prepare bacterial or fungal culture slants for submission to central or reference laboratories when needed.
• Process samples promptly under applicable Quality Assurance practices and Standard Operating Procedures; maintain accurate laboratory records and enter procedures and results into LIMS for review by the case coordinator.
• Perform Contagious Equine Metritis swab cultures, read culture plates for seven days according to NVSL guidelines, and report negative results through LIMS within the required turnaround time once trained.
• Monitor laboratory supplies, label and store them properly, notify the supervisor of potential orders, and order supplies if needed.
• Perform AAVLD proficiency tests and verify proper operation and regular maintenance of diagnostic equipment.
• Assist the Bacteriology Section supervisor with reviewing, revising, and creating Quality System documents and QA practices in Q-Pulse.
• Maintain and use stock prototype cultures associated with laboratory procedures and practices.
• Archive target organisms for Antimicrobial Resistance Testing and Whole Genome Sequencing programs.
• Assist with cross-training personnel from other sections and participate in assigned cross-training within the laboratory.
• Inform the Bacteriology Section supervisor and Microbiology Department Head of section activities and potential or actual issues affecting laboratory operations.
• Conduct testing and reporting in other laboratory sections for which the incumbent has been cross-trained, as assigned.
• Perform related procedures including media-making, culture maintenance, and timely case coordination of assigned in-house and send-out testing.
• Oversee forwarding samples to outside laboratories in accordance with applicable QA practices and SOPs.
• When assigned, assist Shipping and Receiving with sample processing, accessioning, LIMS data entry, and packaging and shipping samples to outside laboratories.
• Attend required Shipping and Receiving training to perform the full range of duties and support laboratory preparedness for animal disease emergencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level