Research Scientist -Ses

Overview

Requisition No: 870209
Agency:
Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I-SES
- Pay Plan: SES
Position Number:
Salary: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 03/03/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I-SES (CLASS

TITLE:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I)

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

Contact
Dr. John McVay, Phone

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.

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)

Requires possession of a valid driver license.

• 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.

Moderate travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks on an emergency program, is required.

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position responsible for expert plant disease diagnosis, with particular emphasis on plant pathogens isolated from plant tissue or the plant environment, and for maintaining a collection of plant pathogens of Florida.

The incumbent spends majority of their time communicating with, motivating, providing, or coordinating training, and directing the work of subordinates. In addition, the incumbent must complete timely performance appraisals, develop accurate work plans, and timely approve attendance and leave for each subordinate. Incumbent has the authority to make recommendations for special pay increases, reclassifications, hiring, and disciplinary actions, when appropriate.

Supervises and mentor’s laboratory, greenhouse and quarantine personnel. Responds to new plant disease emergencies.

Diagnoses plant disease problems. Responsible for proper identification of plant pathogens and maintaining culture collection. Specifically responsible for oomycete disease diagnoses.

Investigates to determine the pathogenicity of new fungal, bacterial and oomycete isolates from new plant disease and the identification of pathogens and establishment of control measures. Collaborates with university, federal, and industry scientists on control of those diseases.

Conducts field investigations / surveys to determine noteworthy plant diseases with division, university, federal, and industry personnel.

Trains and teaches division, university, federal, and industry personnel.

Writes, edits and reviews professional manuscripts and documents for internal and public distribution.

Advises and assists public and private growers on-site in…