Laboratory Technician II

University of Florida; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida seeks a Laboratory Technician II to support forest ecology and management research. You will assist in data review, visualization, and fieldwork, collecting and organizing field data and ensuring rigorous data management.

Responsibilities include preparing instructional materials, maintaining equipment inventories, and coordinating with graduate students and staff. Valid US driver’s license required; physical field duties may be needed in challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent with two years of related experience, or high school diploma with four years of related experience.
• Valid US driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Data review and visualization to support forest ecology research.
• Field research support in forest ecology and management under challenging conditions.
• Prepare instructional materials and assist with laboratory teaching and grading.
• Maintain laboratory and field records and equipment inventories.
• Coordinate work assignments for graduate students and staff; communicate with the PI.

Skills

ArcMap

R

Google Earth Engine

Behave Plus

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Education

Associate’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ecology/forestry/natural resource conservation (preferred)

Tools

GIS

R statistical software

Job description

Classification Minimum Requirements

Associate’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of related experience or a high school diploma and four years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Classification Title

Laboratory Technician II

Classification Minimum Requirements

Associate’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of related experience or a high school diploma and four years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Job Description

Data Review and Research Visualization

Uses software such as ArcMap, R, Google Earth Engine, Behave Plus, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to support forest ecology and management research. Collects, organizes, and review field data and remotely sensed information, develops visualizations for presentations and reporting, and supports writing of data management methods, protocols, and results.

Field Research in Forest Ecology and Management

Support field-based forest ecology and management research, including identification and measurement of plants, wildlife, and fuels, as well as other data collection under challenging environmental conditions (e.g., steep or wet terrain). Prepares and maintains field equipment for deployment. May travel between the Milton Campus, Jay Research Facility, and additional research sites within and outside Florida, and may operate a state vehicle, as required.

Teaching Support and Instructional Assistance

Prepares instructional materials for courses and assists with laboratory teaching and grading as needed. Maintains records and manages inventory of supplies and equipment required for teaching activities.

Laboratory and Field Resource Management

Maintains laboratory and field records and manages inventories of supplies and chemicals required for research activities.

Research Coordination and Personnel Support

Assists in planning and coordinating work assignments and research activities for graduate students and part-time employees. May also participate in candidate interviews. Performs other duties as assigned. The incumbent is expected to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the Principal Investigator. Must have a valid US Driver’s License.

Expected Salary

Pay rate range from $19.15/hr - $24.91/hr; compensation is negotiable and commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of related experience or a high school diploma and four years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
• Valid US driver’s license.

Preferred

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ecology, forestry, natural resource conservation, or a related field.
• The ability to hike to and conduct methodical field work in the face of biting insects, hot humid conditions, and physically challenging field sites is needed. Must be able to think critically and independently solve problems in the field. Must be able to lift/pack up to 25 lbs and be able to squat/kneel for extended periods of time for measurements and sample collection.
• Previous experience conducting plant, animal, or timber field surveys/sampling and experience assisting with or conducting prescribed fires would be an asset.
• Knowledge of data acquisition, sorting, and presentation is desired. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is desired. Experience with GIS and/or R statistical software for data visualization and analyses would be an asset; however, candidates with an eagerness to learn these programs and skills are encouraged to apply.
• The candidate should have strong organizational skills that will allow them to maintain field and lab equipment inventories, data inventories, etc. Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.