OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907396

Requisition No: 828042 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907396

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907396 

Salary:  $18.00 PER HOUR 

Posting Closing Date: 05/16/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC/Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

OPS Biological Scientist I

$18 per hour

Location: Home-based ideally in South Santa Rosa County, South Okaloosa County, or South Walton County

 Marine Fisheries/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907396

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, & Walton Counties - $18 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:
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 a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences.  Preference may also be given to candidates demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, experience identifying finfish to species, or relevant experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs.

Requirements:

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

The project work will be paid for through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations.  Continued employment is anticipated but contingent upon annual renewals of funding. 
 

The selected applicant will be required to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays, for long durations (10 or more hours), early in the morning and late at night. Direct contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry on a daily basis is required, and the selected applicant will be expected to represent the Commission in a courteous and professional manner at all times. The selected applicant will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without direct supervision.

The position is home-based with frequent day-time travel throughout Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia Counties, as well as travel to other regions of Florida as needed.  

The selected applicant must maintain a valid driver’s license.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries by assisting with new and ongoing marine recreational fishing surveys. Duties will include but are not limited to: conducting dockside interviews with recreational anglers to gather data on catch rates, effort, gear and area fished; sampling fish to collect accurate length and weight measurements and biological samples for age, growth and reproduction; processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols; conducting data entry using personal computers and database software; reviewing data for quality assurance; and participation in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor.

To learn more about the projects we are hiring for, visit the following websites:

Marine Recreational Fisheries Program (MRIP):  https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/   

State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS):  https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/srfs/

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: fish morphology and identification of marine fish to species; statistical survey sampling methods and data collection. Ability to: communicate to the public effectively with tact and diplomacy; to gather, maintain, and analyze data; maintain clear and accurate field data sheets; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective work relationships; operate a computer and software such as spreadsheets and word processing; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; communicate effectively verbally and in writing, maintain a valid driver’s license, work in high heat and other adverse weather conditions, work long hours early in the morning and late at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed. 

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers limited benefits and no moving expenses. Occasional overtime hours may occur. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are paid at 1.5 times the regular wage.

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.