OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913089

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $16 • Onsite

About The Position

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION
GENERAL STATEMENT: This position is responsible for rearing and assisting with development and execution of investigative research of invasive mollusks. This position will work primarily in the laboratory with a moderate level of independence and participate in collaborative research initiatives that include scientists and stakeholders from different agencies.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences, or a 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. (Note: If education is being used to qualify for this position, you must provide a copy of an official or unofficial transcript as supporting documentation showing the required coursework.)
• Possession of a valid driver license.
• Knowledge of basic principles in entomology, malacology, and/or biology.
• Knowledge of basic concepts and principles relating to insect/snail rearing, experimental design, and sanitation practices.
• Knowledge of quality assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of scientific writing principles.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in handling and rearing of small invertebrates.
• Skill in being task-oriented with good time management skills.
• Ability to make innovations to equipment and procedures.
• Ability to work independently; conduct experiments; and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to navigate uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to retrieve, interpret, and implement scientific procedures from the relevant scientific literature.

Responsibilities

• Rear snails according to established protocols and procedures and prepare snail diet elements.
• Maintain environmental and sanitary conditions, including maintaining, cleaning, and sanitizing laboratories, greenhouses, snail-rearing areas, and various equipment used to maintain snail colony. Monitor environmental conditions in rearing areas and notify supervisor of anomalies. Operate laboratory equipment. Assist in the development and implementation of experimental methods and research goals. Collaborate with researchers to implement experimental procedures and enhance project outcomes. Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions. Assist the supervisor in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and contribute to scientific publications. Make observations and recommendations to improve snail rearing techniques. Assist the supervisor conducting the research including the tests on the biology, host preference, control (including molluscicide efficacy trials), rearing conditions, and population dynamics of invasive mollusks.
• Prepare and maintain accurate written records of activities, including experimental data and laboratory maintenance; enter collected data and other information into the appropriate location; prepare reports summarizing activities.
• Maintain proper inventory of supplies and equipment used for invertebrate research and rearing. Includes keeping storage areas clean and orderly and timely notification of supervisor or the facility requisitioner when purchasing is needed. Keeping assigned equipment clean, calibrated, and ready for use.
• Assists biological scientist with field work as needed. This may involve working in the hot, cold, and humid conditions of Florida. Assists with field survey and experimentation, including data collection.
• Performs other related work as required by management.

Benefits

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements);
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
• Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, isit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

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