OPS PLANT CARE ASSISTANT - 42900366

State of Florida • Dundee, FL

6d • $16 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is available at the FDACS Dundee Biological Control Laboratory (DBCL). The facility is located in the town of Dundee, in the heart of the citrus growing region of Central Florida.

The laboratory serves as a mass-rearing facility for insect parasites and is currently being used for the production of Tamarixia radiata, a tiny parasitoid wasp that is a very effective natural enemy of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), the vector of a serious citrus disease known as greening or Huanglongbing.

This position will assist in greenhouse and laboratory work. The employee will be expected to work in greenhouses under hot/humid conditions, in controlled temperature/humidity chambers and in laboratory environments.

Duties include (but are not limited to): general plant care, pruning/trimming plants, planting/transplanting, scouting for pests, spraying, watering, irrigation system maintenance, sanitization, and general greenhouse maintenance. Other duties involve general insect care, transferring plants in and out of the rearing cages, collecting and transferring insects from cages to vials, aspirating, sorting, and shipping insects.Any other related duties as required or assigned by management.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.
• Knowledge with plant-insect interaction.
• Skilled in nurseries; working with plants and/or in laboratories working with insects.
• Ability to be detail oriented and follow instructions.
• Ability to have time management skills and work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs., bend repetitiously and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to adapt to changes such as weather, schedule, etc.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to interact with the public and team members in a professional and courteous manner.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with plants/insects and greenhouse maintenance.

Responsibilities

• General plant care
• Pruning/trimming plants
• Planting/transplanting
• Scouting for pests
• Spraying
• Watering
• Irrigation system maintenance
• Sanitization
• General greenhouse maintenance
• General insect care
• Transferring plants in and out of the rearing cages
• Collecting and transferring insects from cages to vials
• Aspirating, sorting, and shipping insects
• Any other related duties as required or assigned by management.

Benefits

• Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED