FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77070462

Requisition No: 848061 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77070462

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77070462 

Salary:  $40,000.00 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 03/23/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Marine Fisheries Research/Marine Fisheries Biology

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II—Career Service Position with Benefits

$1,538.46 Biweekly, $40,0000 Annually

100 8th Avenue SE

St. Petersburg, FL

 FWC – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II- CS 770702462

St. Petersburg, Florida - $40,000 Annually

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.

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 who have demonstrated proficiency with fish otolith processing and ageing techniques.

Requirements:

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

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will conduct age and growth laboratory research activities in support of marine fisheries research and stock assessments. Duties include, but are not limited to, sorting, entering, mounting, sectioning, filing, ageing and archiving otoliths and spines. Ensure all work activities are within compliance with the appropriate laboratory protocols, standards, procedures for maintaining high quality data. Participate in field sampling activities in inshore and offshore waters related to fish life history studies, including age and growth, movement patterns and reproductive biology. Duties include: trailering vessels, operating vessels in field sampling efforts, and helping maintain sampling fleet. Research includes both above water and underwater sampling techniques (may include participation in SCUBA dives).
Assist in organizing and conducting outward-focused activities, including training visitors in age and growth research methodologies, fulfilling outreach and data requests and coordinating outreach events for the age and growth lab. Assists with Quality Control Workshops with internal and external State and Federal Partners. Perform other related work as required.
Assist in producing scientific products for dissemination within the scientific community, including participation in project planning and meetings, report contributions, and presenting scientific content at conferences and meetings

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge, ability, and skill in using scientific methods to solve problems. Knowledge of: the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological laboratory research and its application to fisheries management; laboratory techniques for ageing fishes; photo-microscopy hardware and software systems; image analysis software. Skill in: the use of personal computers, electronics and technology, including Microsoft Office suite; performing the techniques used in determining the age of fishes. Ability to: work in a laboratory setting conducting repetitive tasks; sustain a high level of organization in a scientific laboratory setting; to pay great attention to detail, including handling of microscopic structures; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others in a team environment; perform biological sampling activities under various field conditions, including heavy lifting; maintain a valid driver’s license; work in excess of 40 hours per week

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.  As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year

4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly

Retirement Plan Options

State University and College Tuition Waiver Program

On the Job Trainings

Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.

Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.