BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 42001331

State of Florida • West Vero Corridor, FL

1d • $50,585 - $55,643 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position responsible for the survey and detection of exotic and newly established plant pests for the purpose of minimizing or eliminating environmental and agricultural harm. The role involves developing and conducting field surveys, using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples, and detecting, examining, collecting, preparing, and submitting various types of samples for diagnosis and/or confirmation. The position also requires conducting comprehensive pathway analysis for emerging pests, developing plans of action, attending meetings, giving presentations, maintaining records, and preparing publications.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and three (3) years of related professional experience; or A master’s degree (6 years) from an accredited college or university as described above and two (2) two years of related professional experience as described above; or A doctorate (8 years) from an accredited college or university as described above.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Ability to access computer and retrieve electronic information.
• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Ability to detect plant pests.
• Ability to compile, organize and analyze data and make recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lift and transport 25 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work in extreme hot, cold, or humid temperature environments.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.

Nice To Haves

• Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.

Responsibilities

• Develops and conducts field surveys for exotic and newly established plant pest detection surveys in natural, agricultural and residential environments.
• Uses approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples.
• Detects, examines, collects, prepares and submits insects and other arthropods, disease, plant and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical section for diagnosis and/or confirmation.
• Conducts comprehensive pathway analysis for newly emerging pests, pests of limited distribution or pests of state concern (recently detected or not yet detected in Florida and/or the United States).
• Develops and provides plan of action to supervisor or Division of Plant Industry management team.
• Attends meetings and workshops and gives presentations to keep the public informed concerning department and Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey program activities.
• Maintains proper records of all functions and submits timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
• Prepares and writes popular and scientific publications based on data compiled from survey and detection studies.
• Performs other duties as directed by management.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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