Requisition No: 813513
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Research Assistant – 77907379
Position Number: 77907379
Salary: $22/hour
Posting Closing Date: 10/31/2023
Job Description
The Seagrass Integrated Mapping and Monitoring (SIMM) program is seeking a collaborative and motivated individual to identify, connect and coordinate with statewide mapping and monitoring partners to aggregate, analyze and summarize seagrass data from local, state and federal programs. The incumbent will assist the SIMM lead in reporting and presenting regional and statewide seagrass status and trends. They will help to identify gaps in mapping and monitoring data, and co-lead efforts to map and/or monitor data-poor estuaries on an annual basis. They will also coordinate and assist in site assessments and monitoring of past and future seagrass restoration projects. This position requires extensive fieldwork under harsh conditions for long days, sometimes involving multi-day trips to remote areas. Field and laboratory duties include but may not be limited to SCUBA diving, trailering and operating small vessels (< 25′), operating and maintaining scientific instruments, and processing ecological samples. Additional day-to-day duties include field and laboratory supply purchases, coordinating the maintenance and repair of vehicles/vessels/laboratory equipment/SCUBA gear, data entry and QAQC, and database management. Strong organizational, verbal and written skills are needed to: 1) help coordinate and collaborate with people from diverse disciplines; 2) aid in the preparation of technical reports; 3) assist with workshops, newsletters, and web content. Funding for this position is provided by a recurring Legislative Budget Request. Continued employment is subject to a bi-annual (2y) renewal.
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.
Preferred Experience (OPTIONAL)
Applicants with scientific and/or technical writing experience and/or possess an AAUS diving certification are encouraged to apply and may be given preference.
Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities
The entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform job duties are: 1) possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in marine, biological, ecological or environmental science; 2) possess an open-water SCUBA certification; 3) possess a valid driver’s license; 4) possess a valid boating safety certificate; 5) familiarity with 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.
Where To Apply
Applicants are required to apply through People First by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time of application online.
If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287.
This position requires the candidate to successfully complete a level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee.
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 to determine eligibility.)
- 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.
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.