OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42914282

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. The role involves processing plant disease samples, performing general microbiological lab work, assisting with bacterial pathogen testing using molecular techniques, preparing culture media and solutions, and maintaining greenhouses and host plants. The position requires the ability to work outdoors in various environmental conditions and lift up to 35 lbs.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences, or related field; or College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester, 45 quarter or 720 classroom hours for each year of the required experience provided such education includes three courses in the physical and/or natural sciences.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed.
• Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

Nice To Haves

• Skill in operation of laboratory equipment, such as balance scale, centrifuge, and pipette.
• Ability to assist in laboratory assignments, prepare detailed reports and keep accurate research records.
• Ability to make minor repairs to equipment.
• Ability to compose written reports.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.

Responsibilities

• Processes plant disease samples, including sample preparation, general microbiological lab work, and electronic data recording.
• Assists bacteriologist in testing for bacterial pathogens using molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and qPCR.
• Prepares culture media used for the isolation and detection of plant pathogens.
• Mixes buffers, stains, and other solutions used by plant pathologists.
• Maintains greenhouses, irrigates and fertilizes plants.
• Takes care of host plants for bacterial pathogen inoculations.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Optional insurance coverage
• LinkedIn Learning training account
• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements)
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED