Requisition No: 809370
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS F/W Biological Scientist II – 77907558
Position Number: 77907558
Salary: $20.00 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2023
This is a 40 hr per week position, located in Port Charlotte which participates in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s marine mammal research program in ten counties (Manatees: coastal and inland waterways of Sarasota County to Monroe County and inland to Glades/Hendry Counties; Cetaceans: Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties) of southwest Florida.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Applicant must be able to swim proficiently. Field work is highly physical and applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must have the ability to work both as a team member as well as independently in various field situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Must be able to work weekends and holidays, potentially nights, and often under adverse field conditions.
Job Duties: Fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the general public regarding marine mammals (sirenians and cetaceans); verification of mortalities and distressed marine mammals, potentially in need of rescue; assist with recovery and transportation of marine mammal carcasses to the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab (Port Charlotte) or the Marine Mammal Patholobiology Lab (MMPL) for necropsy; participation in rescues, transportation, triage of sick and injured marine mammals to appropriate facility; performing and assisting with field necropsies; vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance; photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather habitat areas on the southwest coast; data entry using software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Access and Word; completing paperwork including time sheets, necropsy reports, and Level A,B and C data for cetaceans. Responsible for carcass disposal and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Assist with marine mammal response, rescue and capture operations along Florida’s Gulf Coast, as needed. Work holidays in rotation with other SWFL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned. Responds to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Participate in manatee aerial surveys and tracking projects, assisting with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups and agencies as time permits and with supervisor approval. Attend trainings, seminars and meetings, and other tasks assigned by supervisor. Manage cetacean stranding data for SWFL responses and FMMSN volunteer network, upkeep of cetacean stranding kits and equipment. Responsible for assisting with grant award administration including assisting with submissions, progress and final grant reports, purchasing of grant funded equipment and budget tracking.
MInimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences or a combination of relevant coursework and job-specific experience. Ability to obtain boater safety certification within the first six months of employment. One year of professional biological experience.
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.