OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42900373

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $16

About The Position

This is a professional position responsible for assisting with duties that support the Division of Plant Industry Entomology Section in the areas of Pinned-Wet-Slide and Lepidoptera collections.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences.
• Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.
• Knowledge of digitization, data entry, and high-resolution photography.
• Knowledge of current systematic practice and theory, specimen curation and preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of basic arthropod taxonomy and ability to learn morphological characters.
• Skill in using compound and stereomicroscopes.
• Skill to remove tissues from insects for DNA analysis.
• Skill in using keys and other identification methods.
• Skill in organization of physical objects.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to use laboratory computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheet, database, word processing) in a networked environment.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and legible written form.

Responsibilities

• Conservation of collections, as assigned by the supervisor. Replacing or upgrading storage containers, replenishing preservatives, monitoring for pests, labeling storage units, complete processing of incoming materials, discarding unwanted or degraded materials.
• Sorting and identification of specimens, labeling materials, and other processing of samples to completion for long-term storage and availability.
• Improve efficiency in assigned areas by helping maintain and organize resources and curation of collections.
• Process specimen shipments, including incoming and outgoing packages and associated paperwork.
• Digitization projects, including inventories, data capture and organization, and photography.
• Other related work as assigned by the supervisor.
• Travel may be requested to help facilitate activities associated with current section, bureau or division duties, including grant projects, farm bills and/or pest surveys, public outreach, and emergency programs.
• Performs other duties as required by management.

Benefits

• 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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees