OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915016

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. The role involves routine updates to biological and systematic data for ScaleNet, data management, sample preparation for identification, curation of specimens, and assisting with research projects and the creation of identification tools.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in entomology or a biological science laboratory; or College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester, 45 quarter or 720 classroom hours for 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 (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• 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.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill with data management, data entry, clerical and computer work.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to compile and organize data.
• Ability to use a microscope.
• Ability to sort insect specimens.
• Ability to work in a greenhouse.
• Ability to make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience with a focus on entomology, taxonomy, specimen databasing, or a combination.

Responsibilities

• Routinely updates literature, host data, literature data, and taxonomic information for maintenance of ScaleNet, a literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics.
• Data management, entry into specimen or sample databases, preparing data for migration into the database.
• Prepare samples and specimens for identification including slide mounting, alcohol preservation, specimen mounting and labeling, etc.
• Curate regulatory vouchers and museum specimens into the state Collections.
• Organizing, cleaning, moving equipment, disposing of materials, etc., to keep the workplace safe and efficient.
• Assist in moving collection contents, safely lifting and handling boxes up to 30 lbs that contain important museum specimens.
• Prepare specimen loans to specialist(s) for identification; shipping and maintaining invoices files.
• Organizing literature resources and archives.
• Routine maintenance of equipment, manage supplies, and looking for pests in state collections.
• Assist with research projects in labs, greenhouses, field, etc.
• Assist in the creation of identification tools and technologies: molecular, digital, publications, and physical resources.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Optional insurance coverage
• LinkedIn Learning training account
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED