Requisition No: 811453
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Research Assistant – 77907231
Position Number: 77907231
Salary: $22/hour
Posting Closing Date: 09/22/2023
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in Saint Petersburg, FL, is looking for a field and laboratory technician to support the South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (SF-FHAP). The incumbent is responsible for assisting in the acquisition and processing of seagrass samples from Florida Bay, FL. Specific duties include maintaining field and laboratory equipment, operating vehicles, trailers and small vessels (<25 ft), processing ecological samples, and data entry and QA/QC. Funding for this position is provided by a recurring South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) grant. Continued employment is subject to a bi-annual (2y) grant renewal.
Participate as a member of the South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (SF-FHAP). Duties include:
- Collect in-water and boat-based field data associated with FHAP research and monitoring projects.
- Process seagrass samples in a laboratory setting.
- Participate in field safety protocol training.
- Obtain and maintain AAUS active diver status.
- Operate FWC vehicles, trailers and research vessels (<25′).
- Maintain datasheets and enter data into an electronic database consistent with FHAP QAQC protocols.
- Assist with other research and monitoring projects of EAR Seagrass Laboratory as directed.
- Promote and participate in FWC/FWRI public outreach efforts as needed.
- Order, inventory and maintain diving, field, laboratory and safety equipment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 1) possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in marine, biological, ecological or environmental science degree OR 4 years of direct, related experience; 2) possess an open-water SCUBA certification; 3) possess a valid driver’s license; 4) possess a valid boating safety certificate; 5) familiarity with the basic principles and techniques used in scientific data collection; 6) experience in the use of personal computers and software including R, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics. Experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
*4 years professional experience in a direct related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree; additional years of experience as described above are also required.
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.