Biological Scientist I

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife jobshiringnearme.org Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I – 77907449

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907449 

Salary:  $19.50 / hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/06/2025 

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Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Marine Fisheries Research – Molluscan Fisheries

Biological Scientist I – Temporary OPS Position

$19.50 per hour

350 Carroll Street

Eastpoint, FL

 Molluscan Fisheries

Biological Scientist I – OPS 77907449

Eastpoint, Florida – $19.50 per hour

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:

4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. OR, 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. 

A valid driver’s license is required. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates who have professional experience with marine invertebrates, laboratory sample processing, and scientific field work. 

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

The employee will work approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for the duration of employment. The employment duration is anticipated to be March – October 2025. Not eligible for Telework. 

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

Please note this position is not eligible for any form of paid leave time or paid holidays.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is a seasonal full-time OPS position with the Molluscan Fisheries Research Group based at FWC’s Apalachicola Field Lab in Eastpoint, Florida. The employee will work approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of employment, anticipated to be March – October 2025.

The employee will primarily assist with oyster research and monitoring work in the Florida Panhandle. This position will involve a significant amount of routine monthly laboratory work. The employee will also participate in some field work, which could involve long days and be conducted in varying weather conditions (hot, cold, windy, and/or rainy). 

Duties will include, but are not limited to: 

• Participation in laboratory work, such as: 
• Processing oyster spat recruitment trap samples
• Image analysis of oyster shell photos
• Monthly oyster sample dissections for health and condition index monitoring, which involves processing both live and preserved specimens
• Microscopic analysis of histological slides and specimens 
• Preparing supplies for various laboratory work 
• Calibration of water quality monitoring equipment such as YSIs
• Following protocols for all sample processing, laboratory work, and chemical safety
• Participation in field work, such as: 
• Routine sampling trips, which include monthly spat recruitment trips in multiple locations and monthly oyster monitoring collections in Apalachicola Bay
• Oyster population surveys
• Construction, maintenance, cleaning, and deployment of various field sampling gear 
• Following field sampling and boating safety protocols
• Assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers
• Assisting with data entry and proofing 
• Completing administrative tasks such as purchasing, travel forms, timesheets, and tracking logs
• Job duties could potentially include, dependent on project timelines and available opportunities: 
• Assisting with outreach programs and events (could involve some weekend work) 
• Assisting with fishery dependent monitoring efforts (creel surveys) during bay scallop season (could involve some weekend work and overtime hours)
• Additionally, the position requires that you:
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and drive state vehicles
• Trailer research vessels up to 25’ in length to and from research sites using state vehicles
• Maintain professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and other project partners

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in scientific research and knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices associated with marine science and fisheries research
• Skill with methods of data collection, and laboratory and field preparations in support of field-oriented fisheries research
• Skill with basic laboratory methods including counting, weighing, measuring, animal dissections, tissue preparation and incubation, microscopy, species identification, data recording, data entry, and data proofing
• Skill with scientific laboratory and field equipment
• Skill using Microsoft office programs including Excel and Word
• Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions and maintain flexibility with work hours, including working overtime and weekends
• Ability to learn standard operating protocols and willingly follow and adhere to them
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals at the direction of the supervisor or field team leader
• Ability to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. repeatedly over extended periods
• Ability to learn skills to safely trailer and collect scientific samples from vessels up to 25’ in length

Why should I apply?

This position is a great way to obtain both laboratory and field experience working with oysters.

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.

Location:  

EASTPOINT, FL, US, 32328 APALACHICOLA, FL, US, 32320

Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee

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