OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915055

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

2d • 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, Entomology Section. The position will assist the Supervisor with duties supporting the section, mainly focusing on Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars), Thysanoptera (thrips), and Collembola (springtails).

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory.
• 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.
• Honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to use a microscope.
• Ability to handle and sort insect specimens with care and diligence.
• Ability to work with samples preserved in vials of alcohol.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience with a biological focus.

Responsibilities

• Data management, entry into specimen or sample databases, preparing data for migration into database.
• Prepare samples and specimens for identification, including slide mounting, culture media, specimen mounting and labeling, etc.
• Photograph and digitize specimens and slides.
• Curate regulatory vouchers and museum specimens into the Florida State Collection of Arthrops.
• Sort and identify pro-tempore specimens at the order level in regulatory and non-regulatory samples.
• Organize, clean, move equipment, dispose of materials, etc., to keep the workplace safe and efficient.
• Prepare specimen loans to specialists for identification, shipping and maintaining invoice files.
• Organize literature resources and archives for Thysanoptera, other minor orders and non-insect arthropods.
• Routine maintenance of equipment, manage supplies, and scouting for pests in the museum.
• Assist with research projects in labs, greenhouses, field, etc.
• Assist building identification tools and technologies: molecular, digital, publications, and physical resources.
• Assist with data acquisition for grant proposals.
• Write protocols (SOP’s) for laboratory procedures.
• Other related work as required by management.

Benefits

• LinkedIn Learning training account
• 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