OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907368

Requisition No: 817837 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907368

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907368 

Salary:  $20-21/hour depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 05/17/2024 

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Job Description:  

This position serves as a fisheries biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) at the Eustis Fisheries Research Lab.  Successful candidate will work with a team of biologists to conduct freshwater fisheries research and monitoring throughout the state with a focus on the Harris Chain of Lakes in central Florida.  We are seeking to hire a motivated biologist to work within a research team that provides information to local and statewide fisheries managers.  Incumbent will assist with coordination and collection of fisheries data for a statewide long-term monitoring program using electrofishing, trawls, and roving creel surveys.  Successful candidate will help lead or assist other project biologists with ongoing research; such as sportfish stocking evaluations, studies evaluating sportfish regulation changes, largemouth bass tournament release mortality, trophy largemouth bass radio telemetry, habitat enhancement evaluations, and plant management/water quality investigations.  Work will also include data entry, analysis, report writing, processing samples in the laboratory (e.g., otoliths, diets); along with coordinating the repair and maintenance of field and lab equipment. 

Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of Florida’s freshwater fisheries, fish population dynamics, and fish management techniques. 

• Knowledge of freshwater aquatic plants and related management techniques 

• Knowledge of research study design for fisheries applications 

• Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to fisheries biology 

• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment 

• Skill at oral and written communication 

• Skill in the operation of boats, outboard motors, trailers, etc. 

• Skill in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, data analysis, fish population analysis programs 

• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and prioritize work assignments  

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships 

• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of fisheries data 

• Ability to operate independently to achieve project objectives 

• Ability to design and complete biological studies/surveys 

• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills 

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or a related science with two years of related experience or a Master’s degree in fisheries or a related science. Please note, direct professional experience can substitute for a post-secondary degree on a year for year basis.  

To Apply: Submit a complete and up-to-date State of Florida employment application form electronically in People First, by 11:59 pm on the closing date listed. You may also submit a resume and cover letter in People First as attachments. Note that supporting documentation does not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida employment application form.  

If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents.  

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

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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. 

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, eligible veterans and spouses of veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. For applicants claiming Veterans' Preference, please attach supporting documentation that includes character of service (for example, DD form 214 Member Copy #4) when you apply for a vacancy. Applicants may also fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110. All documentation is due by the closing date of the job announcement. 

The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. E-Verify will be used to confirm work authorization.

This position requires the candidate to have successful completion of a level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate prior to hire.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with       People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.)
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights

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.