Requisition No: 803900
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I – 77900913
Position Number: 77900913
Salary: $18.00/Hour
Posting Closing Date: 07/02/2023
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The person in this position will be primarily responsible for assisting and leading coordination of marine mammal carcass salvage and recovery along Florida’s Gulf Coast from Manatee County to Escambia County, and occasionally in other parts of the state as needed. This will include the use of a variety of vehicles, vessels, and specialized equipment, working independently and as part of a team, sometimes in adverse conditions. This position will serve as a member of FWC’s marine mammal necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on marine mammals, recording observations, and completing associated necropsy reports. This position will be responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. The incumbent will also assist or lead marine mammal rescues and transports along Florida’s Gulf Coast as needed. The person in this position will also be responsible for the management of MMPL volunteers and interns, including recruitment, scheduling, assignment of tasks, and retention. This position is also responsible for downloading and logging images taken during necropsies, rescues, captures, and other field activities, as well as overseeing maintenance of photography equipment. The incumbent is also responsible for updating and maintaining the MMPL incident report database. The person in this position will work holidays in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned and will respond to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned.
Minimum qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of biological experience in a field or laboratory program.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems
Knowledge of principles and techniques of scientific research
Knowledge of methods of biological data collection
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat
Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft) and able to complete a small boat safety course within the probationary period
Skilled in the use and maintenance of field equipment
Skilled in problem-solving, especially in field situations
Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment
Ability to performed detailed-oriented work in an organized manner
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to swim with sufficient skill to performed in-water research
Ability to maintain a U.S. driver’s license
This position requires the candidate to have successful completion of a level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate prior to hire.
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.