BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES - 42004038 - GAINESVILLE - 32608

Requisition No: 480863
Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services
Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV-SES - 42004038
Position Number: 42004038
Salary: $43,507.36 - $47,858.20
Posting Closing Date: 10/14/2021
BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - SES
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
CONTACT:
Kate Fairbanks, (352) 395-4698 or
Katherine.Fairbanks@fdacs.gov [Katherine.Fairbanks@fdacs.gov]
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three (3) years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two (2) years of professional experience as described above; or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological sciences and one (1) year of professional experience as described above.
Possession of a valid Driver License.
***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.
* Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields 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.
NOTES:
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 scientific research on exotic terrestrial gastropods, including the Giant African Land Snail (GALS) and Horntail Snail (HTS), for the purpose of developing and implementing new control measures for these serious agricultural and urban pests.
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 gastropods.
These investigations are carried out in the lab and in the field and may require extended trips of several days' duration to complete. 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 snail colonies, 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 Chief may require, including special reports, special assignments and 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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Gainesville