OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42902197

Requisition No: 856262 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42902197

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42902197 

Salary:  $22.50/Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 07/24/2025 

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OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --
THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

CONTACT:

Prithvi Karki, (321) 697-1443

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences.

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.

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:

The incumbent serves as a laboratory professional responsible for testing activities in the Virology Section.  These responsibilities require considerable competence, technical judgment, and a high level of independence in performing various analytical techniques.

As a Biological Scientist I, the incumbent is responsible for performing various tests performed in the virology section such as Virus neutralization tests on serum samples, Direct fluorescent antibody tests on fresh tissue samples; Rabies-Direct Fluorescent antibody testing; Indirect fluorescent antibody tests for viruses and bacteria, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and Real-time quantitative PCR [Polymerase chain reaction] (RT- qPCR).

Responsible for maintenance of cell lines used in virus isolation and virology tests.  Performs isolation and identification of viruses by processing clinical samples and samples received from the necropsy.  Responsible for the preparation of laboratory worksheets indicating the procedures performed.  Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed laboratory records of results; performs case coordination of the test results in a timely manner via Laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Responsible for the preparation of reagents, stains, and solutions used in the various viral diagnostic procedures.  Responsible for maintaining the stock virus and cell cultures used in the Virology Section and performs quality control on the cell lines and viruses used in the section following the established procedures.

Responsible for maintaining the QA/QC records of test(s) performed and lab equipment; following up on the calibration or preventative maintenance of the equipment in a timely manner with minimum supervision. Assists supervisor and senior biological scientist with the development of new SOPs and revision of current SOPs.  Responsible for maintaining the Levey-Jennings chart for the quantitative tests performed by the incumbent.  Assists the section head in maintaining the QA/QC documents in Q-Pulse.  Participates in the validation process of the new tests.  Successfully completes the proficiency check tests as required for the standards of American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), and International Proficiency Veterinary testing center (IVPTC).  The incumbent determines the supplies that are necessary for full laboratory function and coordinates with the supervisor for ordering the supplies.

Also responsible for general upkeep and orderliness of workstations of the virology section; responsible for the disposal of all contaminated lab ware and used viral cultures to assure that the methods of disposal of such contaminated materials is in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures. Reporting/case coordinating the test results in USA-LIMS in a timely manner is expected.

Incumbent is expected to cross train in other sections in the Microbiology Department and other laboratory departments as required.  Reviews scientific literature to keep current with new virological procedures and recommends procedures which might improve laboratory services.  As required, incumbent is also responsible for examining and evaluating new procedures.  Performs other duties as required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Proficient in liquid handling, using micropipettes and serological pipettes
• Ability to perform calculations for unit conversions and dilutions
• Ability to work in class 2 Biological safety cabinet; proficient in aseptic techniques
• Ability to demonstrate and understand technical instructions

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.