Laboratory Technician - STATE OF FLORIDA : Job Details

Requisition No: 839123 Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services Working Title: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42000011 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42000011 Salary: $39,000.00 - $42,900.00 Posting Closing Date: 10/25/2024 Total Compensation Estimator Tool LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY ***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY*** CONTACT: Dr. Nicole Benda, Phone (352) ###-#### MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (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 (3) courses in the physical and/or natural sciences. (NOTE: If using college education to qualify, you must provide a copy of an official or unofficial transcript as supporting documentation showing the required coursework.) Requires possession of a valid Class E Driver License. EDUCATIONAL NOTE: Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained. Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency. A list of approved agencies can be viewed at Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies, Florida Department of Education. Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies (fldoe.org) ***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, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. 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. JOB DUTIES: GENERAL STATEMENT: This position is assigned to laboratory and field work associated with production of plants and insects for purposes of mass rearing, biological control, and eradication techniques. The incumbent works with a high level of independence and participates in collaborative research initiatives that include scientists and stakeholders from different agencies. Laboratory work: Perform daily maintenance of insect colonies using established rearing protocols. These duties include but are not limited to: monitoring rearing room environmental conditions; insect cage preparation, feeding, insect diet preparation, shipment preparation, data recording and analysis, creating and documenting operating procedures for mass rearing biological control agents. Review or secure information necessary to initiate and implement novel biological control programs. Maintain clean and sanitized laboratories, insect rearing areas, and various equipment used to maintain insect colonies. Assist supervisor in conducting research, performing literature reviews and laboratory experiments. Make observations and recommendations to improve rearing techniques for biological control agents. Monitor environmental conditions in various rearing areas and notify supervisor of anomalies. Field work: Assists biological scientists with field work protocols to maintain plants, collect insect and plant samples, and collect data on these organisms. These duties may involve working in the hot, humid conditions of Florida. Assist with field survey and experimentation, including pest scouting, trapping, and data collection. 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. 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. Performs other tasks as assigned by management. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of basic principles in entomology and/or biology. Knowledge of computer spreadsheet and word processing software. Knowledge of basic concepts and principles relating to insect rearing, experimental design, and sanitation practices. Skill in handling and rearing of small invertebrates. Skill in the use of lab equipment, such as glassware, microscopes, analytical balances, and diet mixers. Skill to make minor equipment repairs. Skill in accurate data collection, recording, and analysis. 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in hot, humid environments. Ability to navigate uneven ground and in inclement weather. The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The States total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: Annual and Sick Leave benefits; Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options; Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com ;) Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the Total Compensation Estimator Tool located above under the Posting Closing Date. 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-###-####). 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. VETERANS PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.