• Job Description

  Req#: 834452

  Requisition No: 834452

  Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

  Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - SES - 42002799

  Pay Plan: SES

  Position Number: 42002799

  Salary: $42,000.14 - $46,200.18

  Posting Closing Date: 08/07/2024

  Total Compensation Estimator Tool

  BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II-SES
  

  FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
  

  DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
  

  ***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
  

  CONTACT:
  

  Dr. Octavio Menocal Sandoval; ph# (352) 395-4746 or email Octavio.MenocalSandoval@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.
  

  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:
  

  Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.
  

  JOB DUTIES:
  

  GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position responsible for the establishment and maintenance of biological control agent colonies used in ongoing and new biological control programs. This position serves as the scientist in charge of daily technical production in the Air Potato Vine Biological Control program. Additionally, in collaboration with supervisor, incumbent will oversee the mass-rearing program and conduct/assist with basic and applied research on biocontrol agents of air potato. The developmental nature of this work results in a wide variety of changing activities and requires a person with a diverse array of technical skills and an ability to work independently. Driving to different research sites throughout Florida will be required.
  

  Biocontrol Research and Mass Rearing: Reviews available literature and assists with planning and execution of relevant research projects. Carries out field and laboratory research activities involving biology and ecology, flight behavior and dispersal, mass-rearing protocols, and impact and establishment, of biocontrol agents. Initiates, cultivates, produces, and supervises the maintenance of all air potato plants and beetles needed for research and mass-rearing programs. Directs cultivation of air potato including propagation, fertilization, pest control, and pruning. Ensures that laboratories (insect rearing areas), and greenhouses are sanitized properly. The incumbent is responsible for implementation of rearing protocols in controlled environments.
  

  Supervising: Monitors work performance of subordinates, including periodic written evaluations and discussions; counseling to develop skills and correct deficiencies; recognizing employee accomplishments; and recommending timely disciplinary actions as needed. Approves timesheets and leave requests. Documents recommendations for special pay increases, reclassifications, and disciplinary actions, when appropriate. Efficiently carries out employee selection actions when vacancies are to be filled. Responsible and accountable for managing budget/dollars/resources (staff, vehicles, computers, cell phones, etc.) of any assigned programs in an efficient and accountable manner. Responsible for ensuring that assigned program areas have operational procedures and processes which result in accountability and compliance with division and department policies and procedures. Maintains inventory of laboratory/greenhouse/office supplies. Supervises and trains laboratory technicians assigned for supervision to perform the needed tasks involved in developing biological control methods, quality control tests and maintaining necessary records.
  

  Outreach, Records, Data Management, and Publishing: Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, brochures, etc.) and write non-technical people friendly publications. Lead tours of the rearing facilities for different groups (K-12 students, teachers, state inspectors, visiting scholars, etc.). Occasionally travels for outreach presentations and events. Maintains technical records (data collection, data entry, statistical analysis, and archiving of all data from experimental trials). Prepares technical reports regarding results of investigations. Works in collaboration with other agencies and state employees, as needed. Provides data on plant and insect production, mortality, quality, and future needs/expectations for growth.
  

  Participates in emergency programs, cooperative programs, and projects away from headquarters as required.
  

  Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor.
  

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  

  • Knowledge of entomology and biological control methods, including insect rearing techniques.
  • Knowledge of biological control organisms and natural enemies, including life history, taxonomy, and biology.
  • Knowledge of agricultural practices, including plant maintenance.
  • Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
  • Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
  • Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment including navigational devices.
  • Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments.
  • Skill in collecting, recording, and analyzing scientific data relating to biological sciences.
  • Skill in compilation of written reports.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to work independently, conduct insect rearing experiments, and make innovations in equipment and techniques.
  • Ability to use microscope for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift and transport up to 35 lbs.
  • Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments, to include field work.
  • 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 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.

• About the company

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

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