OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907046

Requisition No: 828832 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907046

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907046 

Salary:  $$19-$20 per Hour, depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 06/02/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC/Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I - OPS Position

$19-20 per hour, depending on experience

Crystal River, FL

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute/Marine Fisheries Bio

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907046

Crystal River, Florida - $19-$20 per Hour, depending on experience

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with previous experience operating and trailering vessels.

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or univeristy with a major in one of the biological sciences.  

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is a full-time position with a potential for health benefits that is supported with federal funds within the Shellfish research group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.  The position will be stationed in the Crystal River, Florida area.  This position will primarily assist with field operations for blue crab projects in the Big Bend region.  Duties include, but are not limited to:

Participating in field sampling efforts which involve: construction, maintenance and deployment of various field sampling gear; following safety protocols while on vessels, servicing blue crab traps; riding on commercial vessels; maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers

Adhering to the standard field operating procedures of multiple monitoring and research projects to include but not limited to blue crab, stone crab, oyster, and horseshoe crab

Processing laboratory samples which involves: following sampling and quality assurance/ quality control protocols; processing live animals and time-sensitive samples in a timely manner; handling live and preserved animal specimens as well as dead specimens in varied states of decay

Assisting with data entry and proofing; assisting with preparation of summary reports that include descriptive statistics and graphs

Administrative duties which include: adhering to purchasing protocols; completing travel documents; submitting timesheets

Maintaining a valid driver’s license and driving state vehicles, often while trailering research vessels up to 25’ in length, to and from research sites

Interacting with multiple project partners on a frequent basis, and maintaining professional working relationships

Other duties as required by the immediate supervisor

This position will involve prolonged, intensive field work in adverse and physically challenging conditions during all months of the year, including overtime and multi-day field efforts. General working hours are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week on a schedule of Monday thru Friday. However, workdays may periodically reach or exceed 12 hours in duration or require a weekend workday. If the work week exceeds 40 hours, then overtime is authorized for this position. Because sampling will occur year-round, this position will require effective use of time to balance field work with laboratory and office duties as they pertain to research goals, including close communication with the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skils and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in scientific research and knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices associated with marine science fisheries research

Skill with methods of data collection, and laboratory and field preparations in support of field-oriented research

Skill with basic laboratory methods including counting, weighing, measuring, animal dissections, tissue preparation and incubation, microscopy, species identification, data recording, data entry and data proofing

Skill with scientific laboratory and field equipment

Skill using Microsoft office programs including Excel and Word

Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions and maintain flexibility with work hours, including working overtime and weekends

Ability to learn standard operating protocols and willingly follow and adhere to them

Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals at the direction of the supervisor or field team leader

Ability to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques

Ability to lift at least 50 lbs repeatedly over extended periods

Ability to learn skills to safely trailer, operate and collect scientific samples from vessels up to 25’ in length

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. .

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.