BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - Gainesville, FL

Job Description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.

Salary : $40,000.22 - $44,000.32

JOB DUTIES :

GENERAL STATEMENT : This is a highly professional position responsible for managing the operations within the Invertebrate Research and Containment Laboratory (IRCL) and Plant Pathology Containment Facility (PPCL) as a Quarantine Officer in support of the plant and plant pest regulatory activities of the Division of Plant Industry (DPI).

Ensures quarantine security of biological control projects, which includes daily inspections of the IRCL and PPCL facilities at DPI. Maintains allocation of space in the IRCL, including analyzing and reporting on the status of ongoing or proposed uses to the FDACS-DPI Permitting and Containment Section. Remains current and up to date with FDACS / DPI and USDA / PPQ containment regulations and guidelines. Works in coordination with the DPI Quarantine Officer in Ft. Pierce to ensure that all facilities under DPI supervision are managed in unison and with consistency, meeting all state and federal quarantine standards.

Serves as liaison between the permitting team and DPI entomologists for the review of arthropod permit requests. Reviews any other assigned federal or state permits and provides comments for the FDACS-DPI permitting team.

Regularly conducts inspections of containment facilities in Florida to ensure security and compliance as outlined in both federal and state permits. Provides written reports on the inspections. Creates and maintains risk factor assessments on containment facilities throughout North Florida.

Cooperates with scientists receiving colonies of exotic plant pests / pathogens and / or biological control organisms within quarantine. Maintains records of their health, security, and submits representative voucher specimens of arthropods received to the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.

Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Qualifications / Responsibilities

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.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of S.112.313, F.S, and Section 60L-36.003, Florida Career Service Rules and Regulations.

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

NOTES :

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of agricultural practices including plant maintenance, Koch's Postulates, and insect rearing techniques.

Knowledge of insect / pathogen containment and quarantine procedures.

Knowledge of computers, MS office programs, GPS units, and the use of databases.

Knowledge of current systematic theory and practices used in research and diagnostics.

Ability to plan and implement projects.

Ability to use scientific laboratory and specialized equipment including, but not limited to, field equipment, computers, autoclaves, and microscopes.

Ability to organize and prioritize assignments.

Ability to prepare scientific research reports and administrative documents.

Ability to understand and accurately interpret pertinent State and Federal regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Ability to work independently and on a team.

Ability to interact with others in a professional and courteous manner.

Ability to work in extremely hot and cold temperatures.

Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.

Salary : $40,000 - $44,000