Job Information
MyFlorida BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES - 42004038 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY) in GAINESVILLE, Florida
BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES - 42004038 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)
Date: Jun 27, 2024
Location:
GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32601 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32307 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32605 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32606 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32607 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32608 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32609 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32611 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32641 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32653
The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_job_applicants/e_verify) .
Requisition No: 832130
Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services
Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES - 42004038 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)
Pay Plan: SES
Position Number: 42004038
Salary: $48,140.56 - $52,954.72
Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2024
Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)
BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES
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:
Katherine Fairbanks; ph# 352-395-4698 or emailKatherine.Fairbanks@FDACS.gov.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciencesandthree (3) years of related professional experience;or
A master’s degree from an accredited college or university as described aboveandtwo (2) two years of related professional experience as described above;or
A doctorate 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. 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, required.
JOB DUTIES:
GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a highly professional position responsible for the development and implementation of projects aimed at controlling exotic invertebrate plant pests. Designs and supervises investigations into the population, migration, life history, natural enemies, host relations, chemical control, and other factors regarding invasive and quarantinable plant pests in Florida. 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 including, but not limited to, malacology, entomology, biology, botany, chemistry, and statistics.
Designs and supervises investigations into the population, migration, life history, natural enemies, host relations and other environmental factors regarding control, eradication, and/or mitigation of exotic invasive plants and plant pests. These investigations are carried out in the lab and in the field and may require extended trips of several days’ duration to complete. Participates in eradication programs as needed providing technical and scientific support for the bureau. Maintains technical records and data for all observations and experimentation. Prepares technical papers and reports regarding results of investigations. Records data from scientific observations, reviews literature, prepares detailed reports including reports and correspondence to the public, maintains detailed records of above activities and makes reports at scientific conferences and meetings. Develops and maintains quarantined colonies of invasive invertebrates, and host plants as needed. Works on methodology improvement and technique development in all program aspects.
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. Supervises and trains technicians, biologists and others assigned for supervision to perform the needed skills involved in developing biological control methods, quality control tests and maintaining necessary records. 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 liaison with scientists in IFAS, USDA, and other agencies and institutions through direct contact, correspondence, and conference and meeting attendance and reviews pertinent literature for all areas of responsibility.
Performs other related duties as the Bureau Chiefs may require, including special reports, special assignments, travel, committee appointments, task force appointments, etc.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the biology, life history, and taxonomy of mollusks, insects, and/or other invertebrate groups.
Knowledge of agricultural practices, including plant maintenance and mollusk/insect/invertebrate rearing techniques.
Knowledge of regulatory aspects of plant pests.
Knowledge of botany, plant pathology, and pest management.
Knowledge of malacology/entomology and the terminology, principles and techniques necessary for investigation and analysis.
Skill in quality control techniques for mass-rearing invertebrates.
Skill in writing, data analysis, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Ability to work independently, conduct mollusk/insect/invertebrate rearing experiments, analyze results of investigations, and make.
innovations in equipment and techniques.
Ability to delegate tasks and supervise employees.
Ability to manage resources including funding, personnel, equipment and supplies.
Ability to lift and transport 35 lbs.
Ability to work in extreme hot, humid environments.
Abillity to walk on 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:Gainesville