• Job Description

  Req#: 833695

  Requisition No: 833695

  Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

  Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42005728

  Pay Plan: Career Service

  Position Number: 42005728

  Salary: $40,000.22 - $44,000.32

  Posting Closing Date: 08/20/2024

  Total Compensation Estimator Tool

  BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II
  

  FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
  

  DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
  

  ***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
  

  CONTACT:
  

  Nick Dorman, (352) 395-4660
  

  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.
  

  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***
  

  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:
  

  This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of s. 112.313, Florida Statutes, and Section 60L-36.003, Florida Administrative Code.
  

  Frequent travel, including overnight, required.
  

  NOTES:
  

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

  JOB DUTIES:
  

  GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position responsible for the protection, certification, and regulation of native and cultivated flora within the state of Florida. This position conducts independent site inspections to mitigate impact to Florida’s agriculture associated with the introduction of invasive plant species, plant pests, and pathogens. The incumbent inspects permitted locations in support of the plant and plant pest regulatory activities for the department.
  

  Independently conducts inspections that include field, nursery, containment and/or quarantine facilities to ensure locations are in compliance with state and federal guidelines. Ensures facilities are capable of containing and/or destroying materials that may be in violation of permit regulations. Delivers clear, concise, accurate, and factual inspection results, both orally and in writing.
  

  Assists with reviewing state and federal permits that come in the FDACS-DPI system. Enters permit information into the permit database to ensure assigned duties are conducted within allotted time. Enforces adherence to Florida Statutes and appropriate rules.
  

  Collaborates with state and federal agencies to inspect facilities. These inspections may be for regulated organisms and/or material being worked in the facilities.
  

  Provides support to other Division programs as needed in the organization of special programs such as the State Hemp Program, plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys and protocols within the state, including implementing chemical and biological controls, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions. These activities may necessitate absences from the office, unusual working hours, and may require serving on a voluntary basis as a trainer and/or supervisor for Other Personal Services (OPS) employees hired for these special programs.
  

  Resolves consumer complaints or, when necessary, refers them to the proper agency. Participates in meetings and workshops to provide current information concerning permits and permitting. Maintains proper records and submits accurate reports of work performed in a timely manner as requested.
  

  Performs other related work as directed by supervisor.
  

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  

  • Knowledge of agricultural practices, including plant, plant pest, and plant pathogen containment/control methods.
  • Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
  • Knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office programs, navigation units, and the use of databases.
  • Ability to work independently and/or with a team.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
  • Ability to use lab and field equipment.
  • Ability to compile, organize and analyze data and to make recommendations.
  • Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work in extremely hot and cold temperatures.
  • Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
    

  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 .
  

  For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the “Total Compensation Estimator Tool” located above under the “Posting Closing Date.”
  

  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.

• About the company

  Florida (/ˈflɒrɪdə/, Spanish pronunciation: ) is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States.

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