OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I (Gastro) - 77900822 1

Requisition No: 843370 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I (Gastro) - 77900822 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900822 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2025 

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Job Description:

The selected candidate will primarily assist with oyster monitoring programs at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute located in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Duties include, but are not limited to:

• participation in scheduled monthly field sampling trips;
• quarterly population surveys;
• laboratory sample processing including dissection, sorting, preservation or other methods as needed;
• assembly, maintenance, and deployment of various sampling gear;
• microscope use include analysis of histological slides and other samples;
• chemical and biochemical analyses including safe handling of a variety of chemicals;
• data entry and proofing;
• maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers;
• assistance with administrative duties such as purchasing and completing travel documents.

   

  The position will involve prolonged, intensive field work in adverse and physically challenging conditions, as well as laboratory and office duties as they pertain to research goals.  The successful applicant will be required to process live and preserved animal specimens as well as dead specimens.  The incumbent will be required to drive state vehicles and tow research vessels up to 25' in length plus their trailers to and from research sites.  Applicants with SCUBA diving may be given preferential consideration.   Employee must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.

   

  The position requires travel during all months of the year, including overnight travel and may require occasional weekend or extended sampling or laboratory work.  Field days often reach or exceed 12 hours in duration and include multi-day field efforts that exceed the standard 40-hour work week.   The incumbent will be required to pay lodging costs which will be reimbursed by the state, until the candidate completes training for state purchasing card.

   

  Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. 

  Preferred Experience:  A degree from a biological or environmental studies program and 6 months paid work experience in a relevant marine-related, field-oriented position.   Valid driver's license.  Proof of SCUBA certification from a nationally accredited organization. Applicants with aquaculture experience, scientific experience working with mollusks (gastropods or bivalves), experience operating or trailering boats, or with AAUS certification and logged scientific dives may be given preference.

   

  Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  Knowledge of:

• principles and techniques used in scientific research;
• laboratory procedures and practices associated with marine fisheries research;
• familiarity with methods of data collection and laboratory and field preparations in support of marine fisheries research;
• familiarity with basic laboratory methods such as weighing, measuring, data recording, data entry, and data proofing.

   

  Skill in: the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment; use of Microsoft office programs including Excel and Word.

   

  Ability to:

• perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions;
• follow and adhere to standard operating protocols;
• safely trailer and operate vessels up to 25’ in length;
• work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals;
• communicate effectively and diplomatically with stakeholders, peers, and scientific groups;
• flex work hours to accommodate field sampling efforts;
• follow directions from project leaders outside the direct supervisory chain;
• lift at least 50 lbs. repeatedly over extended periods and consecutive work days;
• maintain a valid driver’s license.

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.