Biological Scientist Ii - 42005124 (for Internal Agency Employees Only)

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42005124 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY) Date: May 15, 2024 Location: SARASOTA, FL, US, 34233 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34231 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34232 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34234 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34236 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34237 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34239 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34240 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34241 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34243 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34285 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforceoperations/humanresourcemanagement/forjobapplicants/everify) .Requisition No: 829179 Agency: Agriculture and Consumer ServicesWorking Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42005124 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)Pay Plan: Career ServicePosition Number: 42005124 Salary: $40,000.22 - $44,000.32 Posting Closing Date: 05/17/2024 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY INTERNAL AGENCY OPPORTUNITYONLY CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OFAGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES WILL BE CONSIDERED. CONTACT: Jose Marcelino; (352) 395-4707; email Jose.Marcelino@FDACS.gov MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciencesandone (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) (https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/foreign-trained-grads/approved-credential-evaluation-agencie.stml) 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. Qualifiedindividuals 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, required. JOB DUTIES: GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position supporting statewide tephritid fruit fly detection and response programs and is responsible for conducting investigative research including the life history, host relations, detection, control, and eradication of exotic fruit fly species in Florida. Research: Conducts laboratory and large- and small-scale field experiments according to protocols laid out by the fruit fly Research Scientist. Duties include setting up, monitoring, and breaking down laboratory and field experiments, making research site arrangements, handling lures and pesticides, checking traps, recording data, handling insects, traveling to field sites. Guides technicians assisting with experiments. Follows all established safety guidelines, standard operating procedures, and any additional precautions and practices. Provide daily task updates to the fruit fly Research Scientist. Accurately collects, records, and compiles technical records and data for all observations and experimentation. Occasional in-state travel (3-4 days per trip) using the work-assigned vehicle is required. Records, Data Management, and Publishing: Prepares and maintains accurate written records of activities, including experimental data and laboratory maintenance; enters collected data and other information into the appropriate location; prepares reports summarizing activities. Maintains technical records and data for all observations and experimentation. Keeps records (digital and paper-based) on the progress of the bioassays as well as complete administrative requirements (e.g., training, timesheets, etc.). Provides and analyzes data using appropriate statistical methodology. Assists with statistical analysis of laboratory and field bioassays comprising insect behavioral bioassays, as well as mortality and lure/bait capture performance assays. Assists fruit fly Research Scientist with the preparation of technical papers and reports regarding the results of investigations. Laboratory Management: Maintain proper inventory of supplies and equipment used for fruit fly research. Includes keeping equipment and supplies clean, calibrated, and ready for use; keeping storage areas clean and orderly; timely notification to supervisor or the facility requisitioner when purchasing is needed; promptly reporting to the supervisor any equipment malfunction or breakdown. Performing related work as directed by supervisor, including occasional support work for other sections and bureaus. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of federal, State and Division policies, rules, and regulations of Florida’s Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection Program (FFED).

Knowledge of fruit fly trapping procedures.

Knowledge of basic concepts and principles relating to insect rearing, experimental design, and sanitation practices.

Knowledge of basic principles in entomology, malacology, and/or biology.

Skill in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skill in handling and rearing small invertebrates.

Ability to use aerial photography for placing fruit fly traps, conducting plant pest surveys and performing fruit fly pests host removal.

Ability to use e-TRAP (Electronic Trap Recording & Accounting Program) to record fruit fly data collection.

Ability to use R statistics software scripts to analyze fruit fly capture data.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to determine work priorities and follow up on completion of work.

Ability to solve problems and make decisions.

Ability to work independently; conduct experiments; and plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Ability to identify key fruit fly pests of concern for the State of Florida and beyond, i.e.,Anastrepha suspensa, A. ludens, A. obliqua, Bactrocera dorsalis, B. correcta, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Cetaritis capitata.

Ability to lift and transport 50 pounds.

Ability to navigate 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 clickinghere (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/97612/566545) . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Nearest Major Market:SarasotaNearest Secondary Market:Tampa