OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915084

State of Florida•Gainesville, FL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is assigned to laboratory and field work associated with production of plants and insects for purposes of mass rearing, biological control, and eradication techniques. The incumbent works with some independence and participates in collaborative research initiatives that include scientists and stakeholders from different agencies. Laboratory work involves performing daily maintenance of insect colonies using established rearing protocols, including monitoring environmental conditions, cage preparation, feeding, diet preparation, shipment preparation, and data recording. It also includes maintaining clean and sanitized laboratories and rearing areas, assisting with laboratory experiments, making observations to improve rearing techniques, and monitoring environmental conditions. Field work involves assisting biological scientists with protocols to maintain plants, collect insect and plant samples, and collect data. This may involve working in hot, humid conditions and assisting with field surveys and experimentation, including pest scouting, trapping, and data collection. The role also includes preparing and maintaining accurate written records, entering data, and maintaining proper inventory of supplies and equipment for invertebrate research and rearing.

Requirements

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences or related field.
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

Ability to make minor equipment repairs.
Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds and bend repetitiously.
Ability to occasionally work in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.

Responsibilities

Perform daily maintenance of insect colonies using established rearing protocols.
Monitor rearing room environmental conditions.
Prepare insect cages, feed insects, and prepare insect diets.
Prepare shipments and record data.
Maintain clean and sanitized laboratories, insect rearing areas, and equipment.
Assist supervisor in conducting laboratory experiments.
Make observations and recommendations to improve rearing techniques for biological control agents.
Monitor environmental conditions in various rearing areas and notify supervisor of anomalies.
Assist biological scientists with field work protocols to maintain plants, collect insect and plant samples, and collect data on these organisms.
Assist with field survey and experimentation, including pest scouting, trapping, and data collection.
Prepare and maintain accurate written records of activities.
Enter collected data and other information into the appropriate location.
Maintain proper inventory of supplies and equipment used for invertebrate research and rearing.
Keep storage areas clean and orderly.
Timely notification of supervisor or facility requisitioner when purchasing is needed.
Keep assigned equipment clean, calibrated, and ready for use.
Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

Optional insurance coverage
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)

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