State of Florida
Overview
Requisition No: 863535
Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services
Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913203
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 42913203
Salary: $15.50 Hourly
Posting Closing Date: 11/03/2025
Open Competitive Opportunity
— This is a full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position. Contact Nicole Benda, PhD; Phone: 352-395-4641; Email: Nicole.Benda@fdacs.gov Minimum Requirements A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences or related field. College or vocational/technical training can substitute for each year of the required experience at the rate of 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or 720 classroom hours, provided the education includes three courses in the physical and/or natural sciences. Note: if education is used to qualify, a copy of official or unofficial transcript showing the required coursework must be provided. Possession of a valid Driver License. Educational Note Graduates using education attained in the United States to meet minimum requirements will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree is obtained. Foreign trained graduates must provide 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. Additional Requirements Occasional travel required, including overnight. Notes To maintain fairness and integrity in the hiring process, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Applicants must provide authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and recruitment process. Any candidate found using AI to assist in their answers will be disqualified. Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage. Job Duties General Statement : This position is assigned to laboratory and field work related to production of plants and insects for mass rearing, biological control, and eradication techniques. The incumbent works with some independence and participates in collaborative research initiatives with scientists and stakeholders from different agencies. Laboratory work : Perform daily maintenance of insect colonies using established rearing protocols. Duties include but are not limited to: monitoring environmental conditions in rearing rooms, insect cage preparation, feeding, diet preparation, shipment preparation, and data recording. Maintain clean and sanitized laboratories, rearing areas, and equipment. Assist supervisor in conducting laboratory experiments. Make observations and recommendations to improve rearing techniques for biological control agents. Monitor environmental conditions and notify supervisor of anomalies. Field work : Assist biological scientists with field work protocols to maintain plants, collect insect and plant samples, and collect data. This may involve hot, humid conditions. Assist with field surveys and experimentation, pest scouting, trapping, and data collection. Prepare and maintain accurate written records of activities; enter collected data into the appropriate location. Maintain proper inventory of supplies and equipment; keep storage areas clean and orderly, notify supervisor or requisitioner when purchasing is needed, and keep equipment clean, calibrated and ready for use. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic concepts and principles relating to insect rearing and testing, experimental design, sanitation practices, desktop computers and Microsoft software. Skill in the use and maintenance of lab equipment (growth chambers, glassware, microscopes, analytic balances). Skill to make minor equipment repairs. Ability to accurately collect and record data. Ability to work independently 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 walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather. Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds. Ability to occasionally work in hot, cold, and humid environments. Benefits Participation in state group insurance (eligibility requirements apply). Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax-deferred retirement savings). Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Notes on Eligibility Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours per week) should refer to People First or visit mybenefits portal for eligibility information. 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 must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735) in advance to allow 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.
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— This is a full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position. Contact Nicole Benda, PhD; Phone: 352-395-4641; Email: Nicole.Benda@fdacs.gov Minimum Requirements A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences or related field. College or vocational/technical training can substitute for each year of the required experience at the rate of 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or 720 classroom hours, provided the education includes three courses in the physical and/or natural sciences. Note: if education is used to qualify, a copy of official or unofficial transcript showing the required coursework must be provided. Possession of a valid Driver License. Educational Note Graduates using education attained in the United States to meet minimum requirements will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree is obtained. Foreign trained graduates must provide 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. Additional Requirements Occasional travel required, including overnight. Notes To maintain fairness and integrity in the hiring process, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Applicants must provide authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and recruitment process. Any candidate found using AI to assist in their answers will be disqualified. Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage. Job Duties General Statement : This position is assigned to laboratory and field work related to production of plants and insects for mass rearing, biological control, and eradication techniques. The incumbent works with some independence and participates in collaborative research initiatives with scientists and stakeholders from different agencies. Laboratory work : Perform daily maintenance of insect colonies using established rearing protocols. Duties include but are not limited to: monitoring environmental conditions in rearing rooms, insect cage preparation, feeding, diet preparation, shipment preparation, and data recording. Maintain clean and sanitized laboratories, rearing areas, and equipment. Assist supervisor in conducting laboratory experiments. Make observations and recommendations to improve rearing techniques for biological control agents. Monitor environmental conditions and notify supervisor of anomalies. Field work : Assist biological scientists with field work protocols to maintain plants, collect insect and plant samples, and collect data. This may involve hot, humid conditions. Assist with field surveys and experimentation, pest scouting, trapping, and data collection. Prepare and maintain accurate written records of activities; enter collected data into the appropriate location. Maintain proper inventory of supplies and equipment; keep storage areas clean and orderly, notify supervisor or requisitioner when purchasing is needed, and keep equipment clean, calibrated and ready for use. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic concepts and principles relating to insect rearing and testing, experimental design, sanitation practices, desktop computers and Microsoft software. Skill in the use and maintenance of lab equipment (growth chambers, glassware, microscopes, analytic balances). Skill to make minor equipment repairs. Ability to accurately collect and record data. Ability to work independently 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 walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather. Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds. Ability to occasionally work in hot, cold, and humid environments. Benefits Participation in state group insurance (eligibility requirements apply). Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax-deferred retirement savings). Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Notes on Eligibility Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours per week) should refer to People First or visit mybenefits portal for eligibility information. 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 must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735) in advance to allow 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.
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