BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42000873

Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks a Biological Scientist II in Tallahassee to perform standard bacteriological and molecular examinations of foods, verify analytical results, and work with supervisors to assure quality and ISO 17025 compliance. Candidates must have a master’s degree, meet applicable regulations, and be prepared for occasional travel and a background check.

The role emphasizes accurate data collection, method development, and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with ISO 17025 or similar quality systems is preferred.
• Ability to comply with federal/state regulations and agency policies.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard bacteriological and molecular analyses of foods.
• Verify analytical results and maintain accurate records.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, and work areas in a clean, compliant state.
• Support other duties as assigned.

Skills

Biological research

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Quality assurance

Independent work

Communication

Problem solving

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Laboratory software

Spreadsheet

Database

Job description

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The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:884761

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42000873

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university as described above.

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

Please Note: There will be a standard numerically based work sample administered with an established minimum required passing score to all eligible candidates in order to move to the next phase of consideration as part of the hiring process for this position.

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 required.

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

JOB DUTIES: Working independently, using standard operating procedures, conducts standard bacteriological/molecular examinations of food using laboratory methods in a timely manner. Verifies the analytical results generated.

Works with supervisor, staff and laboratory quality manager to ensure quality assurance and ultimately, improvement, as required under ISO 17025. Ensures inventories (equipment and chemical/reagent) are current and complete.

Ensures proper working of section, including equipment maintenance, maintaining supplies (including reagents and chemicals), ensuring laboratory and work areas are clean and orderly, etc.

Maintains personal expertise in analytical procedures, instrument technology, quality assurance and improvement through self-motivation. Complies with state and department policies and procedures for analysis of foods. Maintains applicable certifications to perform duties. Recommends new or modified analytical procedures to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of laboratory analyses.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing.
• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.
• Ability to conduct biological analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to keep accurate research records.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the biological sciences.
• Ability to comply with strict procedural and quality control/quality assurance guidelines in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Ability to perform calculations.
• Ability to use laboratory computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheet, database, word processing) in a networked environment.

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 ;)

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.

Location:

• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32302
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32303
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32304
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32305
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32307
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32308
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32309
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32310
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32312
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32316
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32317
• TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32399

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.