LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42003772

State of Florida • La Crosse, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is assigned to laboratory work related to the molecular diagnostics of citrus pathogens, with emphasis on certification testing to support the citrus nursery industry. The incumbent assists with laboratory activities associated with the production and therapy of citrus plants for the Citrus Germplasm Introduction Program.

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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of basic concepts of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge and experience with the polymerase chain reaction procedure (PCR).
• Knowledge of laboratory instruments, glassware handling, and media preparation.
• Knowledge of general greenhouse and nursery procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of plant health with an emphasis on citrus.
• Knowledge of personal computer operations with a focus on Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks that are part of the continuous process of indexing.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Performs plant tissue preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and quantification for molecular analysis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), real time qPCR, and Reverse Transcription real time PCR (RT-qPCR) for the molecular diagnostics of citrus diseases.
• Assists with molecular protocols for the identification of citrus pathogens using PCR, real time qPCR, and RT-qPCR. Maintains laboratory notebooks, updates database, prepares appropriate reports.
• Assists with general laboratory maintenance, including daily routine equipment calibration and maintenance according to established protocols, maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies, assists with washing dishes and keeping the laboratory clean and uncluttered.
• Assists with shoot-tip grafting (STG) laboratory duties, including but not limited to, preparing laboratory media and buffers, following written protocols. Maintains a clean and organized workspace.
• Performs other related duties as required by supervisor.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED