Weekend Science Jobs in Ocala, FL (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 878724 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST II - 64037447

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64037447 

Salary:  $36,317.26 - $39,948.99 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/06/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive Opportunity

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Tampa Laboratory

Microbiology Section

This is a full-time, in-office position. 

*This has on call duties for weekend rabies testing.*

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a responsible professional position assigned to the Microbiology Section.  The incumbent serves as a medical laboratory scientist performing clinical and rabies testing under the supervisor of the section. All testing is done according to written protocol and the incumbent must possess at least a current State of Florida Public Health Technician's License or a Clinical Laboratory Technician's License.  Duties are performed under general supervision and entail considerable independent judgment. This position has On-Call Assignment responsibilities.

Removes the brain from animals to be tested for rabies and prepares and examines it for the presence of rabies virus using fluorescent microscopy and other staining techniques. Respond to On-Call requirements during weekend or holiday hours as needed to perform rabies testing. Monitors MERLIN for incoming rabies specimens and contacts providers as needed.

Performs complex diagnostic bacteriological or parasitological testing on human specimens to identify potential infectious disease agents. Records specimens received and initiates the testing process. Identifies isolated organisms submitted by other laboratories. Performs isolation and identification of potential pathogens. Results and reports identifications into Labware or other record keeping platforms. Maintains records of tests performed while adhering to CLIA standards.

Maintains communications with providers and staff. This can include but is not limited to: emails or calls to providers concerning specimens, internal emails from other employees, or calls from outside customers. Communications must be conducted in a timely fashion.

Assists the supervisor with planning and organizing the work of the section. Includes cleaning and maintenance of the section and instruments.  Keeps temperature records of refrigerators, incubators, and freezers used by the section. Maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies.

Performs quality control testing on all media, bio-chemicals and anti-sera used in the identification of bacteria.  Performs testing on proficiency specimens in accordance with CLIA standards.

Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles and techniques used in analysis and testing. 

Knowledge of procedures, techniques and equipment used in lab testing and analysis. 

Knowledge of the method of data collection. 

Ability to communicate effectively. 

Ability to work independently. 

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. 

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of terminology, principles and techniques used in analysis and testing. 

Qualifications:

Minimum - Florida Clinical Laboratory or Public Health Laboratory Technician's license in Microbiology

Preferred - BS in one of the chemical or biological sciences. 1 year or more experience is preferred.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Tampa, Florida

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

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.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.