OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I - 42903063

Requisition No: 858198 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I - 42903063

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42903063 

Salary: $18.75 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 08/13/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator

OPS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

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

CONTACT:

Holly Higgins, 850-617-7826

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in laboratory work.

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.

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

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.

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.

Successful applicants must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Flextime.

JOB DUTIES:

General: The duties and responsibilites for this position are directly related to the agency mission of the number of official samples analyzed and analytical tests conducted under F.S. Chapter 578. This position provides laboratory support services and assists with sample processing for the bureau’s seed laboratory program. Performs routine sample preparation procedures for seed samples submitted to the Bureau of Agricultural Environmental Laboratories. Prepares reagents used in seed testing. Cleans laboratory glassware, performs equipment checks and assists with the organization and disposal of official seed samples. Assists seed analysts with blending and planting. Provides administrative assistance for seed sample processing.

Performs routine sample preparation procedures for seed samples submitted to the Bureau of Agricultural Environmental Laboratories. Washes seed samples to remove coatings, dries samples and stacks towels. Prepares reagents used in seed testing (such as tetrazolium and potassium nitrate) according to Standard Operating Procedures; and documents reagent preparation information in the applicable record.

Cleans and prepares laboratory glassware including petri dishes and other seed laboratory glassware. Cleans and prepares work areas. Performs equipment checks for water in the germinators and maintains an adequate supply of DI water for the laboratory. Assists with sample disposal procedures for seed samples and organizing and maintaining the seed sample storage room.

Assists seed analysts with blending and planting seed samples following applicable quality assurance/quality control procedures.

Provides administrative assistance to the seed analysis section for seed sample processing. Prints labels and barcode sheets, scans and attaches seed work cards in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Assists with record keeping and files documents in the bureau’s filing system. Assists with supply inventory, ordering and receipt.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures utilized in the laboratory
• Skill in the use of computers/software (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Knowledge of basic laboratory glassware and techniques (use of balance, flasks, pipets)
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

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 ;

• 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 ;
• 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:

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 (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.