OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42914281

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry – La Crosse, FL

This is a part-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position.

Contact: Kin-Kwan Lai, Ph.D., Phone (386) 853-6452

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences, or related field; or
• College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester (1 year), 45 quarter (1 year) or 720 classroom hours (1 year) for each year of the required experience provided such education includes three (3) courses in the physical and/or natural sciences.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E Driver License.

Note: If using college education to qualify, you must provide a copy of an official or unofficial transcript as supporting documentation showing the required coursework. Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States must provide verification of the applicable degree. Foreign trained graduates must provide a credential evaluation conducted by an approved agency.

Responsibilities

• Assists with plant tissue preparation and quantification for analysis using PCR, qPCR, and sequencing for molecular diagnostics of citrus diseases.
• General laboratory maintenance including washing dishes and keeping the laboratory clean and uncluttered.
• Assists with general greenhouse duties as directed by supervisor, including but not limited to planting seed, grafting, watering, de-suckering, thinning/transplanting.
• Performs other related duties as required by management.

Skills

• Knowledge of personal computer operations and software (Microsoft Office).
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill with data management, data entry, clerical, and computer tasks.
• Ability to work independently, compile written reports, and make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to compile and organize data.
• Ability using a microscope and specimen sorting.
• Ability to work in a greenhouse.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to walk in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground and in inclement weather.

Pay

$15.50 hourly

Benefits

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements).
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax-deferred Retirement Savings Plan).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Note: Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) should refer to People First for benefits information.