BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - SES - 42005398

Requisition No: 861689 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - SES - 42005398

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 42005398 

Salary:  $50,584.82 - $55,643.30 

Posting Closing Date: 10/17/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

CONTACT:

Dr. Nicole Benda, (352) 395-4631 or Nicole.Benda@FDACS.gov

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and three (3) years of related professional experience; or

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university as described above and two (2) two years of related professional experience as described above; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university as described above. 

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel, sometimes overnight, required.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity in our hiring process, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Applicants must provide their own, authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and recruitment process. Any candidate found using AI to assist in their answers will be disqualified from consideration.

JOB DUTIES:

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position responsible for the implementation of biological control programs including the Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), and any other pests statewide. Assists in designing and supervising investigations into invasive plants and plant pests established in and threatening Florida. The nature of this work requires a person with a diverse array of technical knowledge and skills including, but not limited to, entomology, biology, botany, chemistry, and statistics, and will at times require extended trips of several days’ duration to complete.

Management: Supervises and trains technicians and others assigned for supervision to perform the necessary skills involved in developing biological control methods, quality control tests, and maintaining necessary records. The incumbent spends majority of their time communicating with, motivating, providing, or coordinating training, and directing the work of subordinates.  In addition, the incumbent must complete timely performance appraisals, develop accurate work plans, and timely approve attendance and leave for each subordinate. Incumbent has the authority to make recommendations for special pay increases, reclassifications, hiring, and disciplinary actions, when appropriate.

Responsible and accountable for managing budget/dollars/resources (staff, vehicles, computers, cell phones, etc.) of any assigned programs in an efficient and accountable manner.  Responsible for ensuring that assigned program areas have operational procedures and processes which result in accountability and compliance with division and department policies and procedures.

Biological Control: Ensures the development and maintenance of the Cactus Moth and Brazilian Pepper biological control programs as directed by the manager. Manages all colonies and host plants in the manner required for all assigned programs. Works directly with the manager to create logical workflows for agent and host production, field dissemination, field data collection, and program evaluation. Works directly with the manager to implement the release of biological control agents and monitors the results. Works on methodology improvement and technique development in all program aspects. These investigations are carried out in the lab and in the field.

Research: At the direction of the manager, this position conducts and supervises research into the population, migration, life history, natural enemies, host relations, rearing system improvements, and other environmental factors regarding plant pests established in Florida. These investigations are carried out in the lab and in the field. Records data from scientific observations and experimentation, reviews literature, prepares detailed reports including reports and correspondence to the public, maintains detailed records of above activities, and makes reports at scientific conferences and meetings. Prepares and submits applicable research as scientific manuscripts for publication in appropriate journals. Prepares technical papers and reports regarding results of investigations. Assists with researching, recommending, and writing grant proposals.

Maintains liaison with scientists in Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other agencies and institutions through direct contact, correspondence, and conference and meeting attendance.

Performs other related duties as management may require, including special reports, special assignments and travel, committee appointments, task force appointments, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of entomology and the terminology, principles, and techniques necessary for investigations and analysis of methods dealing with biological and chemical control of insects.
• Knowledge of biological control organisms and natural enemies, including life history, taxonomy, biology, and insect rearing techniques.
• Knowledge of agricultural practices, including plant maintenance and pest management.
• Knowledge of regulatory aspects of plant pests.
• Skill in management of resources including funding, personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Skill in planning, designing, and conducting projects and analyzing and interpreting the results.
• Skill in preparation and publication of scientific research data and reports.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and delegate tasks and supervise employees.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to conduct insect rearing experiments, analyze results of investigations, and make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to lift and transport 35 pounds.
• Ability to work in extreme hot, humid, or cold environments, to include field work.
• Ability to walk on 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 State’s 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 (1-866-663-4735). 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.