OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II

The incumbent hired for this position will be expected to serve as a field biologist for a large, dynamic Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. The position is located at the Apalachicola Bay Field Lab and has an emphasis on carrying out statistically valid fisheries research surveys in estuarine and offshore waters. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relative stock abundance, occurrence, diversity and condition of Florida’s marine and brackish water fish populations.

The incumbent will help coordinate and conduct inshore and offshore fisheries-independent sampling efforts throughout the Florida Panhandle and in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Research will be conducted following strict FIM protocols using a variety of sampling methodologies including seines, trawls, side-scan sonar, camera pods, acoustics, longlines, and others. Essential duties include participation as a crew member and/or field lead with preparation of inshore and offshore field sampling, data entry, and all associated data QA/QC; assists with maintaining and repairing sampling gear including boats, motors, trailers, nets, protective gear, office equipment, and laboratory equipment as needed; completes fish and invertebrate identifications in both field and lab settings which includes following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope, dichotomous keys; performs basic routine summaries of fisheries data used in preparing technical and scientific reports; oral presentations and/or manuscripts as assigned; performs and participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. This position requires occasional travel to conduct both inshore and offshore field work. Travel to conduct offshore research will involve spending numerous consecutive days at sea every quarter, and travel to conduct inshore work will involve consecutive overnight hotel lodging to conduct field work throughout western Florida Panhandle estuaries. Incumbent must be able to perform strenuous physical activities in sometimes arduous weather conditions aboard inshore/offshore research vessels for long periods of time, which includes heavy lifting.