Biological Scientist Iii - 42003483 (For Internal Agency Employees Only

Biological Scientist III

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Agency:
Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title:

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III -  (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY) Pay Plan:
Career Service Position Number:  Salary: $48,324.12 - $ 57,988.84 Posting Closing Date: 08/14/2026

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and two (2) years of related professional experience; or A master's degree (6 years) from an accredited college or university as described above and one (1) year of related professional experience as described above; or A doctorate (8 years) 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.

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)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel required.

NOTES:
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.

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

JOB DUTIES:

Working independently, using standard operating procedures, performs analysis of food using laboratory methods in a timely manner. Verifies and interprets the analytical results generated. Works with supervisor, staff and laboratory quality manager to ensure quality assurance and ultimately, improvement, as required under ISO 17025. Ensures inventories (equipment and chemical/reagent) are current and complete. Performs technical review of data for peers, as required by section needs.

Working with supervisor and team, makes decisions on work problems. Works on eliminating problems with the section, improving operating practices and procedures, promoting collaborations, team-building, and effectively interacting and coordinating with administrators/supervisors of other sections. Provides input to ensure proper working of section, including equipment maintenance, maintaining supplies (including reagent and chemicals) ensuring laboratory and work areas are clean and orderly, etc.

Participates in cross-cutting laboratory issues, especially involving laboratory readiness, including Continuation of Operations Planning, Emergency Preparedness and Response, etc. Plans, with supervisor modification of protocols and development and validation/verification of new methods to be used within the laboratory; standardizes procedures for biological analyses in laboratories; develops improved analytical techniques. Maintains personal expertise in analytical procedures, instrument technology, quality assurance and improvement through self-motivation.

Maintains applicable certifications to perform duties. Studies new developments in the industry. Complies with State and Department policies and procedures for analysis of foods. Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing. Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis. Knowledge of the methods of data collection. Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment. Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences. Ability to conduct biological analyses using scientific methods and techniques.

Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to work independently. Ability to keep accurate research records. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the biological sciences.

Ability to comply with…