Requisition No: 801320
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II (Pending Reclass)
Position Number: 77000120
Salary: minimum annual salary 35,606.74 maximum annual salary 39,523.48 plus benefits
Posting Closing Date: 05/14/2023
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
TITLE: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II (Pending Reclass)
SECTION: Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Blackwater Hatchery
LOCATION: Holt, Florida /Santa Rosa County
RATE OF PAY: minimum annual salary 35,606.74 maximum annual salary 39,523.48 plus benefits
CONTACT: Matt Szatkowski, Fish & Wildlife Biologist III
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Blackwater Fisheries Center
8384 Fish Hatchery Rd.
Holt, FL 32564
matthew.szatkowski@myfwc.com
SUPERVISOR: Matt Szatkowski
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES:
- The selected candidate will assist with planning and implementation of intensive and extensive fish culture activities at the Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt, FL. Primary responsibilities include all aspects of pond management and culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish. Assist with broodfish collection, spawning, pond management and maintenance duties, pond fertilization and zooplankton management programs, water quality management, algal and emergent weed control measures, and harvest, transport, and stocking of cultured species.
- Assist with sampling and diagnostic evaluations of stocks for disease/parasite detection and control and crop evaluations to achieve production goals. Requires spending extended periods in water for evaluation/harvest activities in sometimes hot, cold, or inclement weather.
- The incumbent will assist with maintenance and sanitation of all fish culture apparatuses and equipment, holding and haul tanks, nets, and other culture equipment. Assist all basic facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance duties. Will be required to operate vehicles, tractors, utility vehicles, trailers, basic hand tools, mowers, and lawn care equipment. Must be able to trailer sometimes heavy loads over long distances to occasionally remote areas.
- Perform fish culture activities adhering to standard and prescribed prophylactic and sanitation techniques to optimize health and quality of all fish species of culture fishes.
- Gather and maintain data to assist supervisor with statistical analysis and report preparation. Responsible for completing administrative reports and submit within the specified time frame.
- Gather and maintain data to assist the supervisor with statistical analysis and report preparation or required reports.
- Assist with public outreach events as needed.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
- Possess or obtain a valid Florida Boaters Safety Card within 30 days of employment.
- Successfully complete the FWC Trailer Safety Training course.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of basic aquaculture principles and techniques
- Knowledge of basic scientific terminology and principles
- Knowledge of fish biology, fish physiology, fish pathology, fish parasites and associated symptoms of disease
- Knowledge of fish genetics, general nutritional and environmental requirements of freshwater fish
- Knowledge of water quality variables relating to a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)
- Knowledge of proper fish culture techniques in spawning, egg handling, fry rearing, fish stocking and brood stock management
- Knowledge of the methods, equipment and supplies used in the maintenance of a warm water fish hatchery
- Skilled in the use of computers and computer software; i.e.: MS Office Software
- Ability to generate, analyze and communicate biological data in a relevant manner
- Ability to calculate dosages and administer chemicals used to anesthetize and treat fish diseases
- Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism and interact with employees, colleagues, and public stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.
- Ability to effectively interact with and communicate written and orally with the scientific community and with public stakeholders and assist with presentations for public outreach events.
- Ability to participate in, design and conduct biological studies/surveys
- Ability to supervise and train employees
- Ability to work in teams and independently to complete tasks in a timely and organized manner
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to travel out of town with overnight stays
- Ability to operate vehicles, tractors, ATV’s, mowers and trailer loads under 10,000 lbs. safely.
- Ability to lift at least 60 lbs. overhead safely.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in the life or physical sciences and two years of professional experience in a field or laboratory program related to the life or physical sciences.
- Preferred: A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a life or physical science, preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture sciences.
In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and interest in the position.
POSITION DETAILS:
Regular office hours are from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. CST, Monday through Friday
This position requires travel up to 25% and work time outside of regular scheduled hours.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.
Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrual each biweekly
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.
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.