OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I - 42903062

Requisition No: 840276 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I - 42903062

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42903062 

Salary:  $18.75 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 11/08/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I
 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
 

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
 

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

CONTACT:
 

Lou Schneider, 850-617-7826
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 

A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year 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 the required experience provided such education includes three courses in the physical and/or natural sciences. 
 

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

***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:
 

Successful applicants must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
 

Flextime.
 

JOB DUTIES:
 

General:  The duties and responsibilites for this position are directly related to the agency mission of the number of official samples analyzed and analytical tests conducted under F.S. Chapter 578. This position provides laboratory support services and assists with sample processing for the bureau’s seed laboratory program. Performs routine sample preparation procedures for seed samples submitted to the Bureau of Agricultural Environmental Laboratories. Prepares reagents used in seed testing. Cleans laboratory glassware, performs equipment checks and assists with the organization and disposal of official seed samples. Assists seed analysts with blending and planting.  Provides administrative assistance for seed sample processing.
 

Performs routine sample preparation procedures for seed samples submitted to the Bureau of Agricultural Environmental Laboratories. Washes seed samples to remove coatings, dries samples and stacks towels.  Prepares reagents used in seed testing (such as tetrazolium and potassium nitrate) according to Standard Operating Procedures; and documents reagent preparation information in the applicable record. 
 

Cleans and prepares laboratory glassware including petri dishes and other seed laboratory glassware.  Cleans and prepares work areas. Performs equipment checks for water in the germinators and maintains an adequate supply of DI water for the laboratory. Assists with sample disposal procedures for seed samples and organizing and maintaining the seed sample storage room.
 

Assists seed analysts with blending and planting seed samples following applicable quality assurance/quality control procedures. 
 

Provides administrative assistance to the seed analysis section for seed sample processing.  Prints labels and barcode sheets, scans and attaches seed work cards in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).  Assists with record keeping and files documents in the bureau’s filing system. Assists with supply inventory, ordering and receipt.
 

Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures utilized in the laboratory.
• Skill in the use of computers/software (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Knowledge of basic laboratory glassware and techniques (use of balance, flasks, pipets).
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. 
   

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/health/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.