OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42915067

State of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LinkedIn Learning training account

Insurance coverage (optional)

Job summary

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Florida is seeking an OPS Biological Scientist I to support the Division of Plant Industry. The role includes preparing specimens, imaging with microscopy, DNA extraction, and maintaining voucher materials in the state collection.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, good record-keeping, and the ability to travel as needed. Occasional fieldwork and a valid driver license are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences.
• Knowledge of specimen curation, microscopy, and data recording
• Ability to travel as needed and work outdoors in variable conditions

Responsibilities

• Prepare specimens for identification, research, and curation.
• Use light and scanning electron microscopy for imaging and data capture.
• Prepare samples for DNA extraction and molecular identification.
• Assist in managing taxonomic collections and records.
• Travel occasionally for program activities, outreach, or emergencies

Skills

Knowledge of digitization and high‑ren

Knowledge of specimen curation

Microscope operation

DNA analysis preparation

Laboratory safety practices

Data capture and record-keeping

Travel ability

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelors in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences

Job description

Contact

Dr. Erick Rodriguez, Phone [phone]

Requisition No: 881387
Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 42915067
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 42915067
Salary: $16.00 Hourly
Posting Closing Date: 09/11/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

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

Contact

Dr. Erick Rodriguez, Phone [phone]

Minimum Requirements

A bachelor’s degree (4 years) 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.

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)

Possession of a valid Driver License.

• 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.

Additional Requirements

Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks on an emergency program, is 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.
• Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.

Job Duties

Prepares specimens for identification, research, and curation. Assists with data capture using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images of adult and larval stages. Prepares larvae for dissecting and compound microscope observation, photographing, and data capture. Prepares samples from insects for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extraction and molecular identification. Sees that voucher materials are properly curated into the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.
Assists in managing assigned areas and taxonomic collections to keep them clean, orderly and available for use. This includes but not limited to: keeping various records of activities, shipping and receiving loans of specimens, completing required reports in timely manner, assisting visitors to use collections, keeping specimen and document filing to acceptable level, physical maintenance of designated areas, taxonomic collections and resources.
Periodic travel may be required to help facilitate activities associated with current section, bureau or division duties, including grant projects, farm bills and/or pest surveys, public outreach, and emergency programs.

Performs Other Duties As Required By Management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of digitization and high-resolution photography.
• Knowledge of current systematic practice and theory, specimen curation and preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in using a compound microscope, including training others in its use.
• Skill to remove tissues from insects for DNA analysis.
• Ability to travel occasionally, including overnight trips.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to use laboratory computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheet, database, word processing) in a networked environment.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written form.

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

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.