Assistant Insect Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 878023 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915016

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42915016 

Salary:  $15.50 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 07/14/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --
THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***
 

CONTACT:

Zachary Lahey, Phone (352) 395-4665

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, biological sciences, or related field; or

College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester, 45 quarter or 720 classroom hours for the required experience provided such education includes three courses in the physical and/or natural sciences.  (Note:  If education is being used to qualify for this position, you must provide a copy of an official or unofficial transcript as supporting documentation showing the required coursework.)

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) 

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 (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• 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:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

Preference will be granted to applicants with work experience with a biological focus.

Benefits include optional insurance coverage and a LinkedIn Learning training account.

JOB DUTIES:

Routinely updates literature, host data, literature data, and taxonomic information for maintenance of ScaleNet, a literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics.

Data management, entry into specimen or sample databases, preparing data for migration into database.

Prepare samples and specimens for identification including slide mounting, alcohol preservation, specimen mounting and labeling, etc.

Curate regulatory vouchers and museum specimens into the state Collections. Organizing, cleaning, moving equipment, disposing of materials, etc., to keep the workplace safe and efficient.

Assist in moving collection contents, safely lifting and handling boxes up to 30 lbs with important museum specimens.

Prepare specimen loans to specialist for identification, shipping and maintaining invoices files. Organizing literature resources and archives.

Routine maintenance of equipment, manage supplies, and looking for pests in state collections. Assist with research projects in labs, greenhouses, field, etc.

Assist building identification tools and technologies: molecular, digital, publications, and physical resources.

Performs other tasks as assigned by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill with data management, data entry, clerical and computer work.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to compile and organize data. 
• Ability to use a microscope.
• Ability to sort insect specimens.
• Ability to work in a greenhouse.
• Ability to make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• 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 as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. 

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
• Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per  week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

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.