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Insect Research Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Student - Technician

Lake Worth, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Uses Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) mapping software to edit maps and manage data ... related insect pest eradication, • Experience working in dense terrain/swampy areas, and • ...

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Showing results 1-20

Insect Research information

See Florida salary details

$8

$23

$48

How much do insect research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for insect research in Florida is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.74 and $28.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

Insect research roles such as senior entomologists, biological scientists, and research directors can earn over $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions often require specialized knowledge, laboratory skills, and sometimes management responsibilities, typically found in government agencies, private industry, or academia.

How much do research entomologists make?

Research entomologists typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in pest management or laboratory techniques may have higher salaries, especially in government or academic institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Insect Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Insect Research, you generally need a degree in entomology, biology, or a related field, along with strong skills in scientific research, data analysis, and fieldwork. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, microscopy, genetic analysis tools, and data management systems is often required, and additional certifications in pest management or research methodologies may be advantageous. Attention to detail, critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential to conduct rigorous research, accurately interpret results, and share findings effectively within scientific and practical applications.

What is an Insect Research job?

An Insect Research job involves studying insects' behavior, genetics, ecology, and interactions with the environment. Researchers may work in agriculture, conservation, pest control, or medical fields to understand insect roles and impacts. Duties often include fieldwork, data collection, lab experiments, and publishing findings. This research helps in biodiversity conservation, pest management, and disease prevention.

What is the job that researches bugs?

An insect researcher, often called an entomologist, studies insects to understand their biology, behavior, and ecology. They may work in laboratories, field environments, or research institutions, often requiring knowledge of taxonomy, ecology, and sometimes specialized tools like microscopes or insect traps.

What are typical daily tasks for someone working in an insect research position?

Insect researchers commonly split their time between fieldwork, where they collect insect specimens or observe behaviors in natural habitats, and laboratory work, which involves analyzing samples, conducting experiments, and recording data. They may use specialized equipment such as microscopes, DNA sequencers, and data analysis software, as well as collaborate with other researchers or support staff. Regular responsibilities also include reviewing scientific literature, preparing reports, and presenting research findings to stakeholders or at conferences. This blend of field, lab, and analytical activities offers variety and hands-on engagement, making the role ideal for those who enjoy both outdoor and scientific work.

What are 5 jobs that involve entomology?

Five jobs that involve entomology include entomologist, pest control specialist, agricultural consultant, forensic entomologist, and research scientist. These roles often require knowledge of insect biology, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and sometimes advanced degrees in entomology or related fields.
What are the most commonly searched types of Insect Research jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Insect Research jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Insect Research job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,483 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)

OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)

University of Florida

Port Saint Lucie, FL • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)
Job no: 540426
Work type: Temp Part-Time
Location: St. Lucie
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration
Department:60754300 - AG-GCREC-PLANT PATHOLOGY
Classification Title:OPS
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week).
Job Description:
Located in UF / Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County.
We have a part-time position for a qualified individual to assist with support activities for research staff conducting experiments related to insect transmitted viruses and other diseases, and associated field and laboratory experiments. Insect transmitted vegetable limit yield of several crops, and we are developing improved approaches to mitigate and manage these viruses in Florida.
This OPS technician will support plant pathology research projects targeting vegetable systems and other regional crops. The role focuses on monitoring insect disease vectors, processing field samples, evaluating plant disease severity, and maintaining research plots, including planting and establishment onward. The position requires meticulous field data collection, plot biosecurity, and the ability to work in varying Florida agricultural weather conditions. The position also requires an ability to precisely follow sample processing protocols.
  • Vector Monitoring and Insect Scouting: Conduct field insect population surveys across diverse vegetable crops in field experiments. Inspect host plants and collect data from physical sticky traps to track known plant disease vectors (e.g., whiteflies and thrips). Perform accurate counts and digitally log vector population levels.
  • Vegetable Plot Maintenance, Planting, and Cultivation: Establish and help maintain experimental vegetable plots. Duties include planting seeds and transplanting delicate seedlings into the field. If needed, perform hand-weeding and apply precise fertilizer, and help install row covers or stakes to maintain healthy plant environments.
  • Disease Evaluation & Field Sample Processing: Organize botanical, soil, or insect samples directly at field sites. Screen diverse crops for visual disease symptoms (e.g., blights, mildews, wilts, or viral mosaics), and log sample data and metadata onto physical sheets or mobile field applications.
  • Regional Travel & Collaborative Sampling: Participate in occasional day trips to external research locations or commercial fields to collect collaborative data sets and monitor regional disease outbreaks.
  • Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week). Core field hours generally run 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM to account for heat mitigation, with specific days of the week determined upon hire. (Please Note: This position does not qualify for benefits).
  • Will work under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator or local Lab Manager. Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Expected Salary:
$21.00 per hour
Required Qualifications:
  • Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Preferred:
  • Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week).
  • Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please upload resume and cover letter by 11:59 p.m. EST of the requisition close date.
This is a time-limited position.
Health Assessment Required:Yes
Advertised: 30 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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About University of Florida

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853