OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77901628 1 1

Requisition No: 849787 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77901628 1 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901628 

Salary:  $20/hr, depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 04/03/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Marine Invertebrate Collection Manager – OPS Position

$20 per hour (DOE)

100 8th Ave

St. Petersburg, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Marine Invertebrate Collection Manager (F&W Biological Scientist II) - OPS 77901628

St. Petersburg, Florida - $20 per hour (Depending on Experience)

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; 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

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Familiar with genetic and molecular laboratory methods and their statistical analysis; collection database software (Specify7); and identification of marine species.

Interest and experience in photography, science communication, invertebrate taxonomy, and museum work.

A bachelor’s degree and past or present graduate coursework in the biological sciences.

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

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

Office hours are roughly 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework. This is a full-time position (40 hrs/week).

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Managing biological specimen collections.  Processing, identifying, and cataloging specimens and associated assets into the Specimen Information Services (Florida Biodiversity Collection).  Responsible for taxonomic identification, phylogenetic arrangement and species description.  Responsible for proper maintenance of the collection and collection facilities and the requisition and storage of all necessary supplies.  Maintains a complete inventory of collection, field, visitor, volunteer and loan data on computer database system(s). Responsible for loan processing and record keeping. Handles requests for information, retrieving materials in response to research requests, packaging and shipping specimen loans, and preparing reports. Assists with photography and other digital capture of specimens as requested.

Works under the direction of the Curator. Recruits, trains, oversees and directs the activities of assigned volunteers, interns, and OPS staff.  Monitors use of the collection.  Identifies and contacts potential donors and grant programs, conferring with Curator on funding opportunities.  Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within and across Specimen Information Services, all FWRI Sections, FWC Divisions, and stakeholders public and private. Stays current on collections’ safety procedures. Performs daily walk through of collection to check for security and maintenance issues including insect/pest presence, environmental concerns such as water leaks, and collection maintenance. Communicates findings with Curator and performs follow through if necessary work is to be performed.

Works with the educational and scientific communities regarding requests for information and specimen loans and donations. Develops keys and data sheets for use by institute personnel and actively encourages vouchering of research specimens and the use of the collection by scientists, educators and the public. Assists researchers with proper specimen fixation and preservation as requested.  Helps greet visitors to the collection and direct their inquiries to the appropriate area.  Assists with or gives tours of the collection as requested and appropriate. Develops, promotes, and participates in public outreach activities, including large annual events (e.g. MarineQuest) and smaller talks, presentations, and demonstrations. Prepares for special events such as public presentations, exhibit development and the production of educational materials and programs. Organizes, leads and participates in fieldwork to collect specimens and data for scientific, research and educational purposes. Assists other staff as requested and approved by supervisor. May serve on various committees as required and assigned.  Performs other duties as assigned.  
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the ecology and systematics of Florida’s marine animals

Knowledge of personal computers and programs for word processing and data storage retrieval, analysis, and visualization

Knowledge of standard curatorial procedures for the accessioning, cataloging and maintenance of biological specimens, and design of educational materials and exhibits

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech, including writing technical reports and grant applications

Ability to answer questions and verbally communicate scientific concepts to diverse audiences (e.g. children, students, the public) in varied settings (e.g. in person, digital, formal, informal)

Ability to supervise people and establish and maintain amicable, professional relationships

Ability to formulate policies and procedures relating to the Collection

Ability to learn and apply procedures relating to safety, hazardous waste material, and collection and collection facilities maintenance

Ability to collect data and utilize problem solving techniques

Ability to lift 50 pounds on a consistent basis, and frequently lift and carry small loads overhead and up and down ladders

Ability to gently hold and manipulate small, delicate specimens using forceps and other tools with no or minimal damage

Ability to work independently

Skill in using microscopes and other equipment customary for field and laboratory collections work

Skill in storing and organizing an inventory of various supplies and specimens (i.e. wet- and dry-preserved invertebrates)

Possess strong organizational skills and high attention to detail

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.