OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913050

Requisition No: 860605 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42913050

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42913050 

Salary:  $15.50 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 09/16/2025 

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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:

Nicole Benda, PhD; Phone (352) 395-4641 or 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 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.

Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.

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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• This position includes occasional work on weekends.
• Occasional travel required, including overnight.
  
  

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.
• Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.
• This advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
  
  

JOB DUTIES:

Plant Colony Care & Maintenance:  The incumbent is primarily responsible for:

• Care, handling, propagation, and maintenance of invasive plants used for mass rearing insect biological control agents.
• Planting, potting, watering, and trimming multiple species of invasive plants.
• Plant propagation from seeds and cuttings.
• Performing regular pest control on potted plants, including frequent pest scouting as well as preventative and mitigative pest control sprays.
• Assisting with installation, monitoring, use, and maintenance of automated drip and mist irrigation systems.
• Monitoring greenhouse and screenhouse temperatures and equipment.
• Promptly reporting to the supervisor any equipment malfunction or breakdown.
  
  

Insect Colony Care & Maintenance: The incumbent is responsible for:

• Assisting with insect biological control agent mass rearing.
• Careful handling, collection, and monitoring of insect biological control agents in all life stages (egg to adult).
• Assisting with pest scouting, harvesting, and sanitation of host material before incorporation into the colony.
• Assisting with pest scouting and pest control in insect rearing cages.
• Monitoring laboratory environmental conditions (especially temperature and relative humidity) and equipment.
• Maintaining environmental and sanitary conditions in insect colonies.
• Assisting with the construction of new insect rearing cages and repair or modification of existing ones.
• Promptly reports to the supervisor any equipment malfunction or breakdown. 
  
  

Field Work: The incumbent is responsible for:

• Assisting with insect biological control agent release and follow-up monitoring.
• Assisting with research projects including scouting for and identifying insect biological control agents and signs of their damage in the field.
• Accurately collecting, compiling, and recording field research data.
• Collecting host plant material for propagation.
  
  

Related work:  The incumbent is responsible for:

• Preparing and maintaining accurate written records of activities.
• Collecting, compiling, and entering data related to plant care, insect mass rearing, and field work.
• Submitting timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
• Follow all established safety guidelines, standard operating procedures, and any additional precautions and practices set forth by supervisor.
• The incumbent is responsible for performing related work as directed by management.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of plant care and propagation.
• Ability to identify common greenhouse or plant pests.
• Ability to assist in laboratory assignments, to compile records and prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to make minor repairs to equipment.
• Ability to work alone in a productive manner with a minimum of supervision and to adapt to changing work assignments.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and/or humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to interact with the public and team members in a professional and courteous manner.
  
  

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:

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.