Requisition No: 796454

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907752

Position Number: 77907752

Salary: $22.50 - $24/hour, depending on experience

Posting Closing Date: 03/19/2023

Position description: Keys Fisheries Research, Lobster Program

This position is full-time for at least one year, with the potential for continuation given grant funding. The main responsibilities of this position will include field work, data entry, and video analysis needed to support ongoing research. This includes lobster fishery independent and dependent monitoring in the Florida Keys, wet lab maintenance, boat and truck operation, rigorous field work in near and offshore waters, data entry, and the ability to foster and maintain working relationships with industry professionals. Must be able to work autonomously and maintain excellent communication with supervisor.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Conducting fisheries field sampling year-round in a variety of adverse conditions
  • Field work is typically 75% top side (pulling lobster traps, checking juvenile lobster collectors etc.) and 25% scientific diving (lobster collection, habitat and lobster surveys etc.)
  • Trailering and running boats up to 25ft
• Processing field samples in the laboratory after collection
  • Including working up lobsters for a variety of lobster health parameters (i.e., measuring, drawing blood, dissecting, etc.), maintaining camera and lab equipment, etc.
• Maintaining and repairing sampling gear and research equipment used in routine fisheries monitoring
• Wet Lab activities including animal husbandry 1 weekend per month
• Running laboratory experiments (feeding and growth trials, delayed mortality predictors/RAMP, lobster aging via stomach ossicles, sample prep for stable isotopes, lipid extraction etc.)
• Occasional overnight work to conduct plankton tows or night dives
• Entering data into a computer and proof and correct data to ensure accurate entry
• Analyzing data from ongoing studies
• Participating in preparing technical and scientific reports and/or manuscripts
• Maintaining scientific collection records
• Maintaining good relations with co-workers and participating contracted fishermen
• Participating in public outreach efforts, as appropriate

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences
• Open-Water Diving Certification
• Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions, travel as necessary to conduct field sampling, collect and analyze biological and/or fisheries data, prepare technical reports and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Maintain a valid drivers license
• Boat operation and trailering experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree is preferred but not required; experience or willingness to learn is essential, as is a desire to contribute to the science — with the potential to develop and run their own research projects that align with the FWC mission
• Experience working with crustaceans or benthic invertebrates
• Boat and trailer maintenance
• AAUS Scientific Diver

Benefits:

• Salary $22.50/hr
• 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 to determine eligibility.)
• Deferred Compensation -voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program- voluntary

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.