State of Florida
Location
Saint Petersburg, FL | United States
Job description
Requisition No: 824092
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907205
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907205
Salary: $17-18 / hr, depending on experience.
Posting Closing Date: 03/19/2024
Total Compensation Estimator
Fish & Wildlife Research Institute
OPS Biological Scientist I
$17-$18/Hour, depending on experience
100 8th Ave SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
OPS Biological Scientist I
St. Petersburg, FL
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-informce, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality fo the state and its environment.
The selected candidate will primarily assist with oyster monitoring programs at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute located in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Minimum Qualifications:
4 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 can substitute for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates who possess 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.
Requirements:
Employment in this position is contintent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
participation in scheduled monthly field sampling trips; semi-annual and quarterly population surveys and sample collection; laboratory sample processing including dissection, sorting, preservation or other methods as needed; construction, 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 in various states of decay. 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.
The position requires extended travel during all months of the year, including overnight travel and may require occasional weekend 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.
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 25 Kgs repeatedly over extended periods and consecutive work days; maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
SCUBA diving is a component of field work in our workgroup and certiified SCUBA divers may receive preferential selection. To participate in diving activities the employee must be a certified SCUBA diver from a nationally recognized agency and the employee must obtain an AAUS scientific diving certification under FWC guidance and maintain DAN Oxygen Administration certifications.The candidate will need to pass a swim test in a pool to initiate dive certification.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.)
Deferred Compensation - voluntary
Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
Any form of paid leave
Paid holidays
Participation in the Florida Retirement System
Reinstatement rights or retention rights
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.
Job tags
Salary
