Research Scientist I - Ses - 42004031

Requisition No: 823476 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST I - SES - 42004031

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 42004031 

Salary:  $55,000.14 - $60,500.18 

Posting Closing Date: 03/06/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I-SES
 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
 

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
 

CONTACT:
 

Dr. Paul Skelley, (352) 395-4678 or email Paul.Skelley@FDACS.gov.
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in agriculture, or one of the biological, physical, or natural sciences.
 

Requires possession of a valid Class E 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 (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 on an emergency program required.
 

JOB DUTIES:
 

General Statement:  This is a professional position responsible for diagnostics and resource development to be able to make expert taxonomic identifications in support of the plant and plant pest regulatory activities of the Division of Plant Industry (DPI).
 

Monitors work performance of subordinates, including periodic written evaluations and discussions; counseling to develop skills and correct deficiencies; recognizing employee accomplishments; and recommending timely disciplinary actions as needed. Approves timesheets and leave requests.  Documents recommendations for special pay increases, reclassifications, and disciplinary actions, when appropriate. Efficiently carries out employee selection actions when vacancies are to be filled.
 

Responsible and accountable for managing budget/dollars/resources (staff, vehicles, computers, cell phones, etc.) of any assigned programs in an efficient and accountable manner.  Responsible for ensuring that assigned program areas have operational procedures and processes which result in accountability and compliance with division and department policies and procedures.
 

Diagnoses plant pest problems related to Coleoptera and other assigned taxa using available technologies. Develops expertise, tools and techniques needed to identify unknown submissions to genus and species, or to the lowest taxonomic unit possible, using scientific methods such as morphometric analysis, molecular techniques, or other technologies for identification. Writes necessary regulatory reports for these taxa and new techniques. Reviews and selects pertinent scientific literature to properly curate collections, make regulatory identifications, determine geographic/host first finds, and perform research necessary to support activities of DPI.
 

Conducts biosystematic research on taxa of choice or as assigned, not limited to assigned taxa, including analyses of life history, geographic distribution, population dynamics, systematics, and modern phylogenetics of the referenced arthropods. Participates in field surveys and prepares and presents instructional material for in-service training of district personnel. 
 

Manages assigned areas of the Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA) fostering mutually beneficial collaborations with other agencies as needed, which can include collaborative agreements, student/volunteer oversight, grant management, etc., to support activities of DPI. Curates assigned taxa in the FSCA, which includes organizing identified specimens systematically and maintaining appropriate museum records and files.
 

Maintains currency, expertise and professional standing in biosystematics through communication and correspondence with other recognized expert systematists. Prepares and writes peer-reviewed, scientific taxonomic publications based on data compiled from identifications, original research, classification and biosystematic studies. These publications are written using standard scientific nomenclature and format.
 

Evaluates governmental proposals, permit applications, or other such official documents for scientific accuracy, makes scientific recommendations as needed for administration to make informed decisions regarding permits, governmental policies, codes and/or statutes.
 

Performs other related duties as assigned by Section Administrator, Bureau Chief, Assistant Bureau Chief, Assistant Director, and Director, including special reports, special assignments and travel, committee appointments, grant writing/management, and task force appointments.
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 

• Knowledge of current systematic theory and practices, current taxonomy, museum management, curation, specimen preparation procedures used in research and diagnostics of assigned oganisms.

• Knowledge of traditional (morphological), current (molecular), and other diagnostic methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of regulatory aspects of plant pests.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and specialized equipment such as field equipment, computers, genetic analysis equipment, and various microscopes.

• Ability to plan, design and conduct projects to improve our diagnostic infrastructure and capabilities, and analyze information to make scientific recommendations upon request.

• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments, delegate tasks and supervise employees.
• Ability to prepare scientific research reports and adminstrative documents, and publish results.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

• Ability to manage resources including funding, personnel, equipment, and supplies.
   

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 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 (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.