OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)

OPS Technician

Located in UF / Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County. We have a part-time position for a qualified individual to assist with support activities for research staff conducting experiments related to insect transmitted viruses and other diseases, and associated field and laboratory experiments. Insect transmitted vegetable limit yield of several crops, and we are developing improved approaches to mitigate and manage these viruses in Florida. This OPS technician will support plant pathology research projects targeting vegetable systems and other regional crops. The role focuses on monitoring insect disease vectors, processing field samples, evaluating plant disease severity, and maintaining research plots, including planting and establishment onward. The position requires meticulous field data collection, plot biosecurity, and the ability to work in varying Florida agricultural weather conditions. The position also requires an ability to precisely follow sample processing protocols.

Vector Monitoring and Insect Scouting: Conduct field insect population surveys across diverse vegetable crops in field experiments. Inspect host plants and collect data from physical sticky traps to track known plant disease vectors (e.g., whiteflies and thrips). Perform accurate counts and digitally log vector population levels.

Vegetable Plot Maintenance, Planting, and Cultivation: Establish and help maintain experimental vegetable plots. Duties include planting seeds and transplanting delicate seedlings into the field. If needed, perform hand-weeding and apply precise fertilizer, and help install row covers or stakes to maintain healthy plant environments.

Disease Evaluation & Field Sample Processing: Organize botanical, soil, or insect samples directly at field sites. Screen diverse crops for visual disease symptoms (e.g., blights, mildews, wilts, or viral mosaics), and log sample data and metadata onto physical sheets or mobile field applications.

Regional Travel & Collaborative Sampling: Participate in occasional day trips to external research locations or commercial fields to collect collaborative data sets and monitor regional disease outbreaks.

Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week). Core field hours generally run 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM to account for heat mitigation, with specific days of the week determined upon hire. (Please Note: This position does not qualify for benefits). Will work under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator or local Lab Manager. Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight. Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Expected Salary: $21.00 per hour