OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913089

Requisition No: 873069

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: 04/07/2026

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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:

Nimanthi Abeyrathna, Phone (352) 395-4737

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences, or a related field.

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. (Note: If education is being used to qualify for this position, you must provide a copy of an official or unofficial transcript as supporting documentation showing the required coursework.)

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)

Possession of a valid 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.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

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 the supervisor in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and contribute to scientific publications. Make observations and recommendations to improve snail rearing techniques. Assist the supervisor conducting the research including the 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, cold, and humid conditions of Florida. Assists with field survey and experimentation, including data collection.

Performs other related work as required by management.

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 scientific writing principles.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in handling and rearing of small invertebrates.
• Skill in being task-oriented with good time management skills.
• 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 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to navigate uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to retrieve, interpret, and implement scientific procedures from the relevant scientific literature.
  
  

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;
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
• Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, isit 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/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

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.