OPS Biological Scientist II- FWC - 77907444

Requisition No: 847385 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist II- FWC - 77907444

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907444 

Salary:  $20/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 03/03/2025 

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Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist II – OPS 77907444

$20 per hour

Melbourne Beach, FL

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist II - OPS 77907444

Melbourne Beach, Florida - $20 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; or 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 the following qualifications:

B.S. or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the physical or life sciences.

One or more years of work experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys.

One or more years of experience conducting research on sea turtles, especially pertaining to reproductive biology or nesting ecology.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
40 hours a week. Working hours may vary based on project needs.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking someone to assist with coordinating and conducting nesting beach surveys and nest productivity assessments for Florida’s sea turtles. The successful candidate will perform several months of daily surveys on the beach by foot (and sometimes by ATV), assist with studies on sea turtle life history and ecology, and perform both field and laboratory work. This position requires working in outdoor environments under various (sometimes adverse) field conditions, including heat, rain, and humidity, as well as some heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.). The successful candidate will also collect and prepare biological samples, assist with data entry, data cleaning and analysis, and help with grant proposals and reports. The successful candidate will supervise, and guide interns as needed, promote, and participate in public outreach efforts, and perform other work as assigned. The work will be conducted in Melbourne Beach, Florida and requires the incumbent to begin working at sunrise during nesting season, work some evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Some overnight travel is required, and travel may increase during the nesting season based on program needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of sea turtle biology and conservation, especially pertaining to sea turtles in Florida. Knowledge of the terminology and methodology used when conducting sea turtle nesting beach surveys and hatching success evaluations.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Software and web-based databases.

Ability to communicate effectively and positively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people such as biological and conservation professionals, agency personnel, law enforcement personnel, private citizens, and media representatives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and develop long-term partnerships with sea turtle monitoring cooperators in Florida. 

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments, to multi-task, and to work independently. Ability to perform field work outside daily for several months, sometimes in adverse field conditions (in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, etc.), including some heavy (up to 50 lbs.) lifting, and to organize and maintain field notes.

Ability to work in a lab setting for various research projects.

Ability to review technical literature and prepare written scientific reports.

Ability to drive a large pick-up truck, pull trailers, operate ATVs and UTVs, and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Ability to work evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Ability to occasionally travel.

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.