OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42900421

Requisition No: 875552 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42900421

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42900421 

Salary:  $15.50 hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 05/15/2026 

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OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42900421

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:

Dr. Claudia Paez, Phone (352) 395-4650

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four 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.

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:

• Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.
• The work schedule for this position is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

JOB DUTIES:

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a technical position responsible for assisting in diagnostic work for the Plant Pathology Section.

• Assists with routine plant pathology diagnostic work such as sample intake, isolation and culture of fungi and oomycetes, plant care and inoculation, extraction of DNA, PCR and Gel-electrophoresis.
• Responsible for documentation of samples, including but not limited to photographing.
• Assists with maintaining communal laboratory space, including preparing culture media, soil analysis, autoclaving, cleaning and monitoring consumable inventories.
• Performs related duties as requested by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of laboratory etiquette and procedural documentation.
• Knowledge of basic plant biology, microbiology and molecular biology.
• Skilled with molecular skills in extraction of DNA, PCR and gel-electrophoresis.
• Skilled in basic computer skills.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• 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 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, 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/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.