Laboratory Technician I

Description

Summary: This position supports research activities in the laboratory by maintaining greenhouse citrus plants and insect cultures for experiments, assisting with general lab duties. Highlights: 1. Support research activities in plant and insect interactions 2. Maintain greenhouse citrus plants and insect cultures 3. Engage in laboratory and field experiment preparation **JOB NO:** 540434 **WORK TYPE:** Staff Full\-Time **LOCATION:** Polk **CATEGORIES:** Biology/Life Science, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agricultural Sciences **DEPARTMENT:** 60731000 \- AG\-CREC\-ENTOMOLOGY **CLASSIFICATION TITLE:** Laboratory Technician I **CLASSIFICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:** Associate's degree in an appropriate area of specialization or a high school diploma and two years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. **JOB DESCRIPTION:** This position will support research activities in the laboratory by maintaining greenhouse citrus plants and insect cultures used in experiments. Duties will include watering, fertilizing, pruning, monitoring plant health, propagating and organizing citrus plants, and assisting with greenhouse sanitation. The position will also involve rearing and maintaining insect colonies, preparing plants for experiments, monitoring colony health and numbers, and helping ensure that research materials are available when needed. The individual will work closely with laboratory personnel to support ongoing studies on citrus pests, plant–insect interactions, and pest management. Driving to greenhouses will be required. Maintenance of insect cultures for use in the research program; preparation, manipulation, confirmation of plants and insects or DNA extractions, and aiding with general laboratory maintenance activities. The incumbent will collect data and maintain data sheets for subsequent analysis. Daily tasks may include maintaining laboratory equipment and gathering supplies for field experiments. Maintenance of clean laboratory environment Responsible for maintaining continuity of form for computer reduction of data and for maintaining access to data for review and analysis purposes. Other duties assigned by supervisor. **EXPECTED SALARY:** $16\.76 per hour **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:** Associate’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization or a high school diploma and two years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. **PREFERRED:** Two years of experience in citrus care and pest management. Experience in maintaining insects and plants in greenhouse environments. **SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:** In order to be considered for this position, please submit your resume. This is a time\-limited position. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information. **HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:** No **ADVERTISED:** 02 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time **APPLICATIONS CLOSE:** 09 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time