RESEARCH SCIENTIST I - 42001844

Requisition No: 839312 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST I - 42001844

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 42001844 

Salary:  $55,000.14 - $60,500.18 

Posting Closing Date: 11/04/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I
 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
 

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
 

CONTACT:
 

Dr. Silvia Vau: cell ph# (352) 810-0639; office phone (352) 395-4770; or email Silvia.Vau@FDACS.gov
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in agriculture, or one of the biological, physical, or natural sciences.
 

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, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, required.
 

JOB DUTIES:
 

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is an advanced professional position responsible for the development and implementation of expert taxonomic identification and identification tools for plant parasitic nematodes. This position is also responsible for research and regulatory investigations of a nematological nature in support of the  plant pest regulatory activities of the Division of Plant Industry (DPI).
 

Scientific Investigations and Applied Research: Develops and designs comprehensive research to improve the taxonomic status of plant parasitic nematode species in Florida. Collaborates with worldwide researchers and taxonomists to conduct research and prepare scientific publications for peer-reviewed journals based on the reclassification of current groups and descriptions of new species. Improve taxonomy using morphometrics and molecular tools designed specifically for plant parasitic nematodes and comparing them through phylogenetic analysis. Describe new nematode species and re-descriptions of genera and species using a combination of morphological and molecular tools and phylogenetic analysis.
 

Regulatory Activities: Uses highly specialized molecular and morphological diagnostic tools to expertly identify nematodes isolated from soil, root and foliar samples collected from nurseries, farms, soil pits, homes and other locations to certify that plant samples are free of regulatory nematodes, to diagnose plant problems, or to survey for nematode pests that threaten Florida agriculture as needed. Coordinates with technicians on laboratory needs and provides expertise for equipment items. Develops training materials and participates in teaching nematology to employees of the division. Regularly prepares written documentation and reports relating to regulatory decisions of the bureau and geographical distribution of regulatory nematodes. Reviews reports and periodicals for Tri-ology, and prepares other regulatory reports and circulars as required.
 

Conducts nematode surveys to determine the geographical distribution of exotic and native nematodes pests accidentally introduced into Florida or already occurring in Florida. Conducts biological control investigations. Maintains filling systems in taxonomy, general information, geographic distribution and photography.
 

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 

• Expert knowledge of Nematology practices.
• Expert Knowledge of current nematode systematics.
• Expert knowledge of nematode morphology, morphometrics and taxonomy.
• Expert knowledge of nematode phylogenetic analysis.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and specialized equipment such as field equipment, computers, genetic analysis equipment, and various microscopes.
• Skilled in molecular diagnostic techniques, including PCR, Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid.
• Skill in seeding and propagating plant material in pots, harvesting plants, washing roots, and extracting nematodes from soil and roots using appropriate extraction procedures.
• Ability to plan, design, and conduct research projects to improve our diagnostic infrastructure.
• Ability to analyze information to make scientific recommendations upon request.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments with others.
• Ability to prepare scientific research reports, administrative documents and publish results.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage resources including funding, personnel, equipment, and supplies.
   

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.