OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907235

Requisition No: 830286 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907235

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907235 

Salary:  $18/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 07/01/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC FWRI- Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$18 per hour

3911 Highway 2321

Panama City, FL 32409

 FWRI-Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907725

Panama City, Florida - $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; or

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 individuals with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in biological/marine sciences and those individuals demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, experience identifying finfish to species, and experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs.  Relevant marine-related experience preferred.

Requirements:

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

Applicant must maintain a valid driver’s license and use of reliable transportation.  Applicant must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
 

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 is Home-based with access to an office at the Northwest Regional Office Annex.
 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Fisheries Dependent Monitoring (FDM) works directly with anglers to collect fisheries data across the state.  FDM is seeking a candidate to conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries in Northwest Florida 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 dockside to collect accurate length and weight measurements and biological samples for age, growth, and reproduction;

Processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols;

Gathering detailed information on fish caught and release by recreational anglers;

Conducting data entry using tablets, personal computers, and database software;

Troubleshooting equipment and reviewing data for quality assurance;

Participating in public outreach efforts as appropriate; and

Performing other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor.

This position requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule of 30 to 40 hours per week (variable by week), earlier in the morning and later at night for longer durations (8 hours or more) and will often require working weekends and holidays.  The position requires direct contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry regularly, and the qualified applicant will be expected to represent the Agency in a courteous and professional manner at all times. Applicants will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without supervision while adhering to specific deadlines and targets. The position will be home-based in the Eastern Panhandle of FL between Panama City and St. Mark’s.  This position requires frequent travel throughout Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties and will require travel to other regions of Florida as needed. It may also require applicants to use their own vehicle to perform their job duties, with travel reimbursements available (at 44.5 cents/mile).

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

To learn more about the projects we are hiring for, visit: http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/ and https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/state-reef-fish-survey/.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Fish morphology and identification of marine fishes to species;

Statistical survey sampling methods and data collection.

Ability to:

Communicate with the public effectively utilizing tact and diplomacy;

Gather, maintain and analyze data;

Maintain field sampling equipment;

Establish and preserve effective work relationships;

Operate a tablet and computer along with associated software, such as spreadsheets and word processing;

Think logically and apply problem-solving techniques;

Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;

Multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines;

Act on changing priorities and responsibilities;

Work under adverse conditions;

Work long hours early in the morning and later at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed.

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.