OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907547

Requisition No: 849982 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907547

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907547 

Salary:  $22.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 04/15/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center

OPS position - Biological Scientist II - $22 per hour

535 Estuary Shore Lane,

Apollo Beach, FL 

Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center

Biological Scientist II – OPS 77907547 

Apollo Beach, Florida - $22 per hour

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:

5 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 and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with knowledge of intensive aquaculture practices, marine fish culture, and re-circulating aquaculture systems a plus. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of rotifer and artemia production and marine broodstock husbandry and intensive larval culture techniques.

Requirements:
The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting customers and stakeholders. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to customer wants and striving to meet their needs.  When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Performs duties outside of routine working hours including evenings and holidays, field activities, fish culture activities, overnight travel for fish releases, scientific conferences, workshops and meetings. The total hours in a typical workweek are 40, including weekends and holidays. Occasionally requires working more >40 hours per week, >five days a week and/or >eight hours per day. Not eligible for Telework. This position requires routine weekend work with days off midweek.  Responses to qualifying questions should be verified by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position requires routine weekend work with days off midweek. Job duties include cleaning organic waste from fish culture operations, hatchery installations, water quality monitoring, and stocking, harvest, quantifying, weighing, collecting and feeding marine finfish. Collects and photographs and measures morphological parameters of live feeds and marine fish development. Maintains devices used for fish husbandry and water conditioning. Documents research and operational data according to programmatic procedures and instruction from leadership. Assists in design and improvement of databases and data sheets. Reviews’ data for outliers and unusual trends. Maintains close communication with supervision and provides regular status updates and brief written reports. Maintenance, care, and organization of hatchery facilities, including tools and equipment. Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of hatchery laboratories and workstations. 
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
General algebra, mathematics and chemistry skills and ability required. Skills and ability to use dissecting and compound microscopes to observe, document and photograph larval stages of marine fish and examine and diagnose fish health and live feed cultures.

The ability to follow written and verbal: research, husbandry and biosecurity protocols and practices. The ability to use Microsoft Word Software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for data entry, analysis, and graphical and written reporting. The ability to collect and document data, report observations and to use scientific measuring devices/tools. Ability to interpret scientific literature and adhere to strict biosecurity protocols. Ability to work in hot humid environments for prolonged periods of time, to lift to 50lbs. and to swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in an emergency.   

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.