Biological Technician & Facilities Manager

Business Description

The Invasive Plant Research Laboratory (IPRL), part of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, develops and implements environmentally safe biological control solutions for invasive plant species that threaten natural habitats and agriculture. With research facilities in Fort Lauderdale and satellite sites across Florida, IPRL focuses on host-specificity testing, colony rearing, and ecological impact studies to support the safe release of biological control agents. Their work helps restore balance to ecosystems by reducing invasive plant populations without the use of chemical herbicides.

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Job Description

The Biological Technician & Facilities Manager manages the upkeep and experimental use of a beetle colony under strict quarantine, developing and executing biological control studies for Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera). Responsible for maintaining Lilioceris egena beetles (including egg, larval, pupal, and adult phases), implementing horticultural protocols for host and non-host plants, performing host-specificity feed trials, and ensuring rigorous documentation and regulatory compliance. Collaborates in greenhouse and lab settings to sustain plant and insect colony health, innovates processes for soil health (e.g. compost tea), designs and refines protocols and trains interns, and contributes to supporting data critical for permitting release and field deployment of biological control agents.

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Detailed Job Scope

• Maintained beetle colony in quarantined lab, including feeding, cleaning, cage maintenance, egg harvesting, larval rearing, and monitoring for pupation and adult emergence.
• Operated greenhouse to grow multiple host and non-host plant species required for feed trial experiments; ensured proper plant health, soil management, and environmental conditions.
• Conducted feed-test trials using containment protocols: set up test tubes, introduced beetles, evaluated feeding preference to assess host specificity.
• Developed and updated lab protocols, horticultural protocols, and plant care methodologies; implemented improvements for soil fertility and plant vigor.
• Designed, created, and used documentation templates for tracking colony health, experimental data, trial results, feeding responses, and regulatory compliance.
• Trained interns and laboratory staff on protocols and documentation standards.
• Monitored compliance with quarantine regulations; ensured biosecurity measures, proper containment, and adherence to USDA/ARS standards.
• Managed environmental control systems (light, temperature, humidity) in lab and greenhouse to optimize breeding, reproduction, and plant growth.
• Conducted statistical/data analysis of feeding trials, reproduction rates, host‐range safety, and plant-beetle interactions; reported findings to senior researchers
• Coordinated supply and maintenance of equipment, plant materials, and consumables, managed schedules for colony care and experimental setup.