OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915016

Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Optional insurance coverage

Job summary

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks an OPS Laboratory Technician IV to support entomology work in the Division of Plant Industry. The role involves maintaining ScaleNet data, preparing specimens, and assisting with taxonomic research.

Responsibilities include data management, literature curation, specimen preparation, and collaboration on tools and technologies for identification. Strong safety, organization, and lifting ability are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with four years in entomology or a biological science lab.
• College or vocational/technical training can substitute with science courses included.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.
• US degree verification required; foreign degrees require credential evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Update ScaleNet literature, host data, and taxonomic information for the literature-based model of scale insect biology.
• Data management and entry into specimen databases; prepare data for migration.
• Prepare samples for identification including slide mounting and labeling.
• Curate regulatory vouchers and museum specimens into the state Collections.
• Assist in moving collection contents; lift boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Prepare specimen loans for identification; manage shipping invoices.
• Routine maintenance of equipment; manage supplies; look for pests in state collections.
• Assist in creating identification tools and technologies: molecular, digital, and physical resources.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by management.

Skills

Lab safety

Communication

Data management

Independent work

Lift 30 lbs

Data organization

Microscope use

Greenhouse work

Equipment innovation

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with 4 years in entomology or biological science lab

Job description

Salary: $15.50 Hourly

Posting Closing Date: 09/29/2026

OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV

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. Zachary Lahey, Phone [phone]

Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in entomology or a biological science laboratory; or

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.

Possession of a valid Driver License.

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)

ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

• 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, hours worked, and formal education fields 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

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.

Preference will be granted to applicants with work experience with a focus on entomology, taxonomy, specimen databasing, or a combination.

Benefits include optional insurance coverage.

Job Duties

• Routinely updates literature, host data, literature data, and taxonomic information for maintenance of ScaleNet, a literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics.
• Data management, entry into specimen or sample databases, preparing data for migration into the database.
• Prepare samples and specimens for identification including slide mounting, alcohol preservation, specimen mounting and labeling, etc.
• Curate regulatory vouchers and museum specimens into the state Collections. Organizing, cleaning, moving equipment, disposing of materials, etc., to keep the workplace safe and efficient.
• Assist in moving collection contents, safely lifting and handling boxes up to 30 lbs that contain important museum specimens.
• Prepare specimen loans to specialist(s) for identification; shipping and maintaining invoices files. Organizing literature resources and archives.
• Routine maintenance of equipment, manage supplies, and looking for pests in state collections. Assist with research projects in labs, greenhouses, field, etc.
• Assist in the creation of identification tools and technologies: molecular, digital, publications, and physical resources.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill with data management, data entry, clerical and computer work.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to compile and organize data.
• Ability to use a microscope.
• Ability to sort insect specimens.
• Ability to work in a greenhouse.
• Ability to make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.

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.