OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915054

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

9d • 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 position will assist Biological Scientists with duties that support the Division of Plant Industry and the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. The role involves improving the collection of mites, which is one of the best reference collections of agricultural mites in North America. This includes learning about a megadiverse group of mites and gaining curatorial skills such as labeling, imaging, and databasing. This work may also lead to authorship on research papers pertaining to the collection. The technician will process entomological samples, enter data into specimen or sample databases, and assist with data acquisition for grant proposals and other renovation projects. Sample and specimen preparation for identification, including sorting and slide mounting, is also a key responsibility. Other tasks as assigned by management will be performed.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of laboratory, biological sciences or related field experience; or College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester, 45 quarter or 720 classroom hours each year 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 plant-insect interaction.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, compile written reports, and make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to use laboratory computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheets and databases, to include Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to lift and transport 25 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• Ability to walk in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground and in inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience with a biological focus.

Responsibilities

• Assist Biological Scientists with duties that support the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Plant Industry and the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.
• Improve the collection of mites, which represents one of the best reference collections of agricultural mites in North America.
• Gain curatorial skills including labeling, imaging and databasing.
• Process entomological samples and enter data into specimen or sample databases.
• Assist with data acquisition for grant proposals and other renovation projects.
• Prepare samples and specimens for identification via specimen sorting, slide mounting and labeling of taxa that require this preparation technique.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by management.

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)

What This Job Offers

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