OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907005

Requisition No: 841959 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907005

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907005 

Salary:  $17-18 per hour, depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 12/15/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$17-18 per hour

Apalachicola Field Lab

Eastpoint, FL

Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries Independent Monitoring

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907761

Eastpoint, Florida - $17-18 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. 

A valid driver’s license is also required.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Applicants with the following experience may be given preference: previous work in a fisheries program leading fisheries-independent fieldwork using a variety of sampling gears to survey fish populations in estuarine and/or offshore waters; experience using dichotomous keys and either microscopes or video to identify juvenile and adult fishes found in marine and estuarine environments; experience trailering and operating small vessels up to 24ft in length; experience conducting routine maintenance of vehicles, small vessels, trailers and outboard motors used to conduct fisheries work; experience providing mentorship and training to staff in a fisheries program. 

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent hired for this position will be expected to serve as a field biologist for a large, dynamic Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. The position is located at the Apalachicola Bay Field Lab and has an emphasis on carrying out statistically valid fisheries research surveys in estuarine and offshore waters. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relative stock abundance, occurrence, diversity and condition of Florida’s marine and brackish water fish populations. The incumbent will help coordinate and conduct inshore and offshore fisheries-independent sampling efforts throughout the Florida Panhandle and in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Research will be conducted following strict FIM protocols using a variety of sampling methodologies including seines, trawls, side-scan sonar, camera pods, acoustics, longlines, and others. Essential duties include participation as a crew member and/or field lead with preparation of inshore and offshore field sampling, data entry, and all associated data QA/QC; assists with maintaining and repairing sampling gear including boats, motors, trailers, nets, protective gear, office equipment, and laboratory equipment as needed; completes fish and invertebrate identifications in both field and lab settings which includes following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope, dichotomous keys; performs basic routine summaries of fisheries data used in preparing technical and scientific reports; oral presentations and/or manuscripts as assigned; performs and participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. This position requires extensive travel to conduct both inshore and offshore field work. Travel to conduct offshore research will involve spending numerous consecutive days at sea every quarter, and travel to conduct inshore work will involve consecutive overnight hotel lodging to conduct field work throughout western Florida Panhandle estuaries. Incumbent must be able to perform strenuous physical activities in sometimes arduous weather conditions aboard offshore research vessels and while conducting inshore research sampling for long periods of time which includes heavy lifting. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The OPS Biological Scientist I must be able to conduct biological research using scientific methods. They must possess knowledge of principles and techniques used in fisheries research, including methods used for gathering and managing fisheries data. They must have experience using fish sampling equipment (e.g., trawls, seines), computer and related software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), and laboratory equipment (e.g., microscopes). They must be able to identify juvenile and adult fishes and invertebrates collected from Florida’s inshore and offshore environments. They must also be able to safely operate, trailer, and maintain vehicles, small boats, and motors. They must be able to review, proof, enter, and manage fisheries data following strict QA/QC protocols using various software packages (e.g., Excel, Access, R Studio, SQL). They must possess the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in professional and public settings and must be able to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public. They must also be able to participate in multidisciplinary fisheries research efforts across all FWRI-FIM field laboratories which may involve overnight travel and/or extended field trips and be able to perform strenuous physical activities under arduous conditions (e.g. inclement weather, rough water, boat engine exhaust, shoreline wading) for long periods of time, including heavy lifting. They must be willing to work more than 40 hours per week as needed to complete fieldwork. They must maintain a valid FL driver's license and complete a boater safety course and first aid/CPR training within three months of hire.

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.