Requisition No: 812476
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I- FWC – 77072135
Position Number: 77072135
Salary: $38,133
Posting Closing Date: 09/22/2023
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
Section: Fisheries Independent Monitoring (FIM)
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Number of positions: 1
Internal Agency Opportunity
To be eligible for consideration, applicant must be a current FTE or OPS employee of the FWC.
This position will be stationed at FWRI St. Petersburg, FL.
No moving expenses provided and the pay rate is non-negotiable.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Conduct all aspects of the Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program with emphasis on directing and executing statistically valid research experiments and surveys in estuarine and marine waters on various sized boats to evaluate relative fish stock abundance, age composition, movement, growth, and health.
Primary duties include coordinating and leading various Fisheries-Independent Monitoring research projects and the associated data management, following strict QA/QC protocols; collecting data following defined procedures; entering, proofing and correcting associated data; performing routine data summaries; and writing summary reports for submission to team leaders, coordinators, supervisors, funding agencies and management agencies as needed.
The incumbent will be responsible forcompleting fish and invertebrate identifications following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope and/or video cameras; assisting with data management and preparation of manuscripts for publication and oral presentations on monitoring results for local, state, and national meetings; assisting with proper fisheries-independent monitoring training of new staff; and completing QA/QC check programs to ensure quality fisheries data are properly recorded from inshore and offshore sampling events. Responsibilities also include assisting with various research projects, participating in public outreach efforts as appropriate, and assisting other Institute programs as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree in one of the life or natural sciences or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences. It is a project requirement to possess and maintain a valid driver license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Florida.
PREFERRED CRITERIA:
Preference may be given to applicants with at least three years of professional experience in fisheries field sampling in marine environments and experience identifying Florida’s estuarine fish or a master’s degree in a field related to fisheries science. Applicants with experience in data analysis and quality control may also be given preference.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of Florida juvenile and adult fish and invertebrate identification using dichotomous keys; of methods and gear used for collection of fisheries samples; of estuarine ecology theories and analyses; of personal computers and database and statistical analysis software. Skill to safely operate and trailer vessels less than 26′ in length. Ability to perform strenuous physical activities (e.g., pull and lift heavy nets) under arduous conditions (e.g. inclement weather, rough water, boat engine exhaust, shoreline wading); to participate in multi-day research cruises (up to 14 days); to collect and summarize fisheries data; to prepare technical reports and communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to work both independently and on a team; to work in excess of 40 hours per week; maintain a valid driver’s license, complete small boat safety course within probation period.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.