LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42000262

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $40,000 - $44,000

About The Position

This position participates in laboratory and field work associated with the development of techniques and the production and release of beneficial insects used in the biological control of invasive plants and insect pests.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in laboratory work.
• College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester (1 year), 45 quarter (1 year) or 720 classroom hours (1 year) for each year of the required experience provided such education includes three (3) courses in the physical and/or natural sciences. (NOTE:  If using college education to qualify, you must provide a copy of an official or unofficial transcript as supporting documentation showing the required coursework.)
• Requires possession of a valid Class E Driver License.
• Knowledge of basic principles in entomology or biology.
• Knowledge of basic concepts in experimental design and sanitation practices.
• Knowledge of computer spreadsheet, word processing, and email software.
• Skill in the use of production equipment, laboratory equipment, and personal computers.
• Skill to make minor equipment and supplies repairs.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and analyze data.
• Ability to understand and effectively follow technical instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize daily work assignments and adapt to frequent changes in production schedules.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily maintenance of insect colonies using established rearing protocols. These duties include but are not limited to careful inspection of all life stages; diet preparation; colony feeding; removal and disposal of colony waste materials; collection and sorting of various life stages; proper equipment utilization; collecting, recording, analyzing and verifying both production and quality control data; reporting unusual or negative production trends immediately to supervisor; assisting with the design, implementation, data collection, and analysis of experiments to improve reared organisms production or quality.
• Performs sanitation of laboratory equipment, production supplies, and rearing areas. Ensures assigned equipment is calibrated and ready for use.
• Assists in field work to maintain host plants, scout for pests, and collect insect specimens and plant material. Assists with field surveys, trapping, and experimental data collection.
• Maintains proper inventory of supplies and equipment used for production, shipment, and research activities. Includes keeping storage areas clean and orderly; timely notification to supervisor of purchasing needs.
• Assists in the monitoring of environmental conditions and in the training of employees in production, sanitation, and equipment usage procedures. Maintains accurate personnel records.
• Performs other related 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 (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

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