Biological Scientist II - 42004075

Requisition No: 856651

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42004075

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 42004075

Salary: $41,000.18 - $45,000.02

Posting Closing Date: 07/30/2025

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

*** OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

CONTACT:

Dr. Nicole Benda, phone: ...

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and one (1) year of related professional experience; or

A masters degree from an accredited college or university as described above.

Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.

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)

***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, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity in our hiring process, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Applicants must provide their own, authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and recruitment process. Any candidate found using AI to assist in their answers will be disqualified from consideration.

JOB DUTIES:

GENERAL STATEMENT: The primary responsibility of this position is to support and develop biological control programs through the rearing and release of beneficial insects used to control invasive plants and insect pests in Florida.

Conducts mass propagation and routine maintenance of host plants to be used for mass rearing biological control agents, including planting, potting, watering, pruning, pest control, and other assigned duties. Conducts experiments for production of high-quality host material used for rearing biological control agents. Oversees greenhouse maintenance including monitoring of environmental conditions and equipment.

Assists in the rearing, handling, and releasing of beneficial insects used for biological control of invasive plants and insect pests in Florida.

Records data and keeps accurate records of all experimental data.

Performs other related work as required by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of agricultural practices, including plant maintenance and propagation.
• Knowledge of invasion biology and biological control including insect rearing techniques.
• Knowledge of common greenhouse pest management.
• Skill in computer applications (email, data processing, spreadsheet, database, word processing).
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to keep accurate research records.
• Ability to make innovations to equipment and procedures.
• Ability to work independently; conduct experiments; and plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• 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 move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in extremely hot and humid environments.
  
  

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The States 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 visit www.myfrs.com ;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!
  
  

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .

For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the Total Compensation Estimator Tool located above under the Posting Closing Date.

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 (...). 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.