Ops Biological Scientist I - F - 77990831

Requisition No: 816225 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - F - 77990831

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77990831 

Salary:  $17.50/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 11/28/2023 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

DESCRIPTION

Fisheries Dependent Monitoring (FDM) works directly with anglers to collect fisheries data across the state.  FDM seeks a candidate to conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries in East Central Florida by assisting with new and ongoing marine recreational fishing surveys. Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Conducting dockside interviews with recreational anglers to gather data on catch rates, effort, gear, and area fished;
• Sampling fish dockside to collect accurate length and weight measurements and biological samples for age, growth, and reproduction;
• Processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols;
• Gathering detailed information on fish caught and released by recreational anglers;
• Conducting data entry using tablets, personal computers, and database software;
• Troubleshooting equipment and reviewing data for quality assurance;
• Participating in public outreach efforts as appropriate; and
• Performing other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor.

This position requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule of 30 to 40 hours per week (variable by week), earlier in the morning and later at night for longer durations (8 hours or more), and will often require working weekends and holidays.  The position requires direct contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry on a daily basis, and the qualified applicant will be expected to represent the Agency in a courteous and professional manner at all times. Applicants will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without supervision while adhering to specific deadlines and targets. The position will be based at the Indian River Field Laboratory in Melbourne, FL. This position requires frequent travel throughout Volusia, Brevard, and Indian River counties and will require travel to other regions of Florida as needed. It may also require applicants to use their own vehicle to perform their job duties, with travel reimbursements available. To learn more about the projects we are hiring for, visit: http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/ and https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/state-reef-fish-survey/.

This position's funding is split between federal and state grants-

• This project work will be paid through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations.
• Continued employment is anticipated but contingent upon annual renewals of funding.
• Funding for this position is provided by a recurring federal grant. 
• This position is funded by federal grant funds which require annual renewals based on grantor's approval.
• Funding is guaranteed through fiscal year 23/24. Continued funding is dependent on the extension of the project or on new grants or funding being awarded.

Requirements:  Applicant must maintain a valid driver's license and use of reliable transportation.  Applicant must be able to lift at least 40lbs.

Minimum Experience:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. 

*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:  Preference may be given to individuals demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, experience identifying finfish to species, and experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs. Relevant marine-related experience is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Fish morphology and identification of marine fishes to species;
• Statistical survey sampling methods and data collection.

Ability to:

• Communicate with the public effectively utilizing tact and diplomacy;
• Gather, maintain, and analyze data;
• Maintain field sampling equipment;
• Establish and preserve effective work relationships;
• Operate a tablet and computer along with associated software, such as spreadsheets and word processing;
• Think logically and apply problem-solving techniques;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Work under adverse conditions;
• Work long hours early in the morning and later at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from a Level 1 Background Check prior to hire 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 (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
  • Deferred Compensation- voluntary
  • Employee Assistance Program- voluntary

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287).  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.

The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.  An Employment Eligibility Verification Check will be conducted in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database that confirms the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

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.