OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915055

Requisition No: 875592 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915055

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42915055 

Salary:  $15.50/Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 05/15/2026 

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OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915055

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. Felipe Soto-Adames
Phone: (352) 395-4668

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory.

College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester, 45 quarter or 720 classroom hours for the required experience provided such education includes three courses in the physical and/or natural sciences.

Possession of a valid 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, 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.

Preference will be granted to applicants with work experience with a biological focus.

Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.

JOB DUTIES

General Statement: Position will assist Supervisor with duties that support the FDACS-Division of Plant Industry, Entomology Section, mainly Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars), Thysanoptera (thrips) and Collembola (springtails), and can include:

• Data management, entry into specimen or sample databases, preparing data for migration into database.
• Prepare samples and specimens for identification, including slide mounting, culture media, specimen mounting and labeling, etc.
• Photograph and digitize specimens and slides.
• Curate regulatory vouchers and museum specimens into the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.
• Sort and identify pro-tempore specimens at the order level in regulatory and non-regulatory samples.
• Organize, clean, move equipment, dispose of materials, etc., to keep the workplace safe and efficient.
• Prepare specimen loans to specialists for identification, shipping and maintaining invoice files.
• Organize literature resources and archives for Thysanoptera, other minor orders and non-insect arthropods.
• Routine maintenance of equipment, manage supplies, and scouting for pests in the museum.
• Assist with research projects in labs, greenhouses, field, etc.
• Assist building identification tools and technologies: molecular, digital, publications, and physical resources.
• Assist with data acquisition for grant proposals.
• Write protocols (SOP’s) for laboratory procedures.
• Other related work as required by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill with data management, data entry (clerical and computer), and good handwriting.
• Ability to work independently and to adapt to changing work assignments.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to compile and organize data with accuracy.
• Ability to use a microscope.
• Ability to handle and sort insect specimens with care and diligence.
• Ability to work with samples preserved in vials of alcohol.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to make innovations in equipment and techniques.
  
  

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.