Temporary Insect Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 877011 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV - 42915072

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42915072 

Salary:  $15.50/Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 06/09/2026 

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 PART-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

CONTACT:
Dr. Telmah Telmadarrehei, Phone (772) 828-9269
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in a laboratory, the biological sciences, or a related field.
College or vocational/technical training can substitute at the rate of 30 semester, 45 quarter or 720 classroom hours for each year of 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.
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:
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.
Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.
Occasional travel may be required, including overnight.
JOB DUTIES:
GENERAL STATEMENT: This position is responsible for laboratory and field work associated with the production and research of live invertebrates and plants for the purpose of managing or eradicating invasive invertebrates and plants.
Provides daily maintenance of plants and invertebrate colonies using established propagation and rearing techniques. These duties include, but are not limited to, the following: collecting and manipulating various insect life stages; working outdoors and in a greenhouse; following rearing protocols and procedures; participating in field research; monitoring rearing area environmental conditions; insect shipment preparation; laboratory, greenhouse, and rearing area sanitation and maintenance.
Accurately records and organizes field and lab maintenance and experimental data.
Maintains proper inventory of supplies and equipment used for plant and invertebrate research and rearing. Includes keeping assigned equipment clean, calibrated, and ready for use.
Frequently communicates with the public to answer questions and provide educational information at public outreach events. Includes phone, email, and face-to-face communications.
Performs related duties as required or assigned by management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic principles in entomology and/or biology.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in handling and rearing of small invertebrates.
• Ability to work independently and with a team, compile written reports, and make innovations in equipment and techniques.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lift and transport 35 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments, to include field work.
• 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.