Requisition No: 816747

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42004075 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 42004075

Salary: $40,000.22 - $44,000.32

Posting Closing Date: 11/15/2023

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

*** INTERNAL AGENCY OPPORTUNITY--
ONLY CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES WILL BE CONSIDERED. ***

CONTACT:

Dr. Manoj Pandey, 352-395-4737 or Manoj.Pandey@FDACS.gov

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and one (1) year of related professional experience; or

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.

Requires possession of a valid Class E 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 at a time on an emergency program, is required.

JOB DUTIES:

GENERAL STATEMENT: The primary responsibility of this position is to support and develop biological control programs through the rearing and release of beneficial insects used to control invasive plants and insect pests in Florida.

Conducts mass propagation and routine maintenance of host plants to be used for mass rearing biological control agents, including planting, potting, watering, pruning, pest control, and other assigned duties. Conducts experiments for production of high-quality host material used for rearing biological control agents. Oversees greenhouse maintenance including monitoring of environmental conditions and equipment.

Assists in the rearing, handling, and releasing of beneficial insects used for biological control of invasive plants and insect pests in Florida.

Records data and keeps accurate records of all experimental data.

Performs other related work as required by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of agricultural practices, including plant maintenance and propagation.
• Knowledge of invasion biology and biological control including insect rearing techniques.
• Knowledge of common greenhouse pest management.
• Skill in computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheet, database, word processing).
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to keep accurate research records.
• Ability to make innovations to equipment and procedures.
• Ability to work independently; conduct experiments; and plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in extremely hot and humid environments.
  

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 ;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!
  

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .

SPECIAL NOTES:

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.