Laboratory Technician III

Classification Title: Laboratory Technician III Job Description:

Working with other LAKEWATCH staff, the incumbent will facilitate the training of citizen volunteers in the monitoring of water quality in Florida lakes. The incumbent will organize and prepare equipment needed for the instruction and training of volunteers that will include the selection of sampling locations on their lake. They will be responsible for sample pickup at partner locations statewide. Additionally, the incumbent will 1) function as the point person for the lab email and phone line, forwarding communications to the appropriate coworker and 2) work with UF/IFAS to create and post regular content on social media platforms that highlights the work we and our volunteers conduct.

The incumbent will assist in compiling data collected by volunteers and during Florida LAKEWATCH research projects. The incumbent will help enter volunteer and research data into established data files for subsequent verification and analysis. The incumbent will help disseminate all information to the public about the LAKEWATCH program, including presentations at regional volunteer meetings. They will also assist with the planning and organizing of these regional volunteer meetings.

The incumbent will help coordinate and assist staff in Florida LAKEWATCH special studies and research relevant to the LAKEWATCH program. Potential research areas include water chemistry, aquatic plants, invasive species, fish and invertebrate communities, and aquatic pollution.

The incumbent will assist with maintenance of all field equipment, including sampling kits.

In collaboration with other LAKEWATCH staff, the incumbent perform other functions as may be necessary or beneficial in coordinating the Florida LAKEWATCH program. This position requires regular out-of-area travel.

Other duties assigned by the LAKEWATCH Extension Manager or Director, as needed.

This position requires regular out-of-area travel to attend Regional Volunteer meetings, sample pickups, as well as conference and/or other research activities. Normal work schedule will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm for a 40 hour week with flexibility to accommodate regular work travel.

Expected Salary:

$16.53 - $20.59

Minimum Requirements:

Associates degree in an appropriate area and four years of related experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and six years of related experience. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid Florida driver's license.

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• Ability to work well with the public; in person as well as over the phone and email;

• Ability to collect, record, and digitize scientific data;

• Ability to create engaging, on-brand, appropriate social media content;

• Strong science communication skills, particularly to non-specialist audiences and stakeholders;

• Knowledge of limnological principles; basic knowledge of aquatic ecology and chemistry;

• Experience working safely from boats.

Additional skills that would be considered an asset for this position:

• Experience with maintenance and upkeep of boats;

• Knowledge of Floridian freshwater ecosystems;

• Knowledge of standard fisheries sampling techniques and fish species identification;

• Knowledge of standard aquatic macrophyte sampling techniques and aquatic macrophyte identification.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

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.

• Time Limited Position*

Health Assessment Required: No