OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913089

Date: Aug 20, 2024

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_job_applicants/e_verify) .

Requisition No: 835117

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913089

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42913089

Salary: $15.50 Hourly

Posting Closing Date: 09/18/2024

Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)

OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

*OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --

THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION*

CONTACT:

Ariana Gaskin, Phone (352) 395-4748

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalentandfour (4) years of experience in laboratory work.

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.

Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.

ATTENTION CANDIDATES

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

• 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.

  The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values

and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified

individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel is required.

NOTES:

Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.

JOB DUTIES:

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.

Laboratory work: 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 in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and contribute to scientific publications.

Perform literature reviews for research development. Perform statistical analyses and interpretation of results. Make observations and recommendations to improve snail rearing techniques. Research conducted will include 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.

Field work: Assists biological scientist with field work as needed. This may involve working in the hot, humid conditions of Florida. Assists with field survey and experimentation, including data collection.

Performs other related work as required by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• 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 computer spreadsheet and word processing software.

• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Skill in handling and rearing of small invertebrates.

• 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 lbs. and bend repetitiously.

• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.

• Ability to navigate uneven ground and in inclement weather.

• Skill in being task-oriented, with good time management skills.

• Ability to retrieve, interpret, and implement scientific procedures from the relevant scientific literature.

• Knowledge of statistical computing programs, such as R or SAS.

• Knowledge of scientific writing principles.

  The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

  Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck.

• 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 (https://www.myfloridacfo.com/DeferredComp/) ;

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) (https://opsfl.aigrs.com/plan-details/social-security-alternative-plan) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);

• Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com ;

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  *Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

  SPECIAL NOTES:

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Location:

GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32609 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32607 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32653 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32611 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32601 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32605 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32641 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32307 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32606 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32608

Nearest Major Market:Gainesville