Ops Biological Scientist Ii - 77907115

Requisition No: 816768 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77907115

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907115 

Salary:  $18 - $20, Depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 12/07/2023 

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OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907115

Location: Palm Bay, FL, US, 32909

Requisition No: 816768

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Working Title: OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907115

Position Number: 77907115

Salary:  $18.00 to 20.00 per hour with health benefits

Posting Closing Date: 12/7/23

Division: Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), Palm Bay, FL (Brevard County)

Section: Freshwater Fisheries Research/Freshwater Fisheries Biology

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to the first day of employment.

This position is grant funded for one year with a possible extension to two years pending renewal.

Announcement Type: Open Competitive

Job Description:

A temporary full time (40 hr/week) OPS Biological Scientist will serve as the primary field operative for the Kissimmee River Fish Telemetry Study. This biologist will be responsible for active tracking of radio-tagged Largemouth Bass in the restored portions of the Kissimmee River to record their location through the year as environmental conditions change with seasons and water flow. The biologist will also download telemetry data from and maintain stationary radio stations and be responsible for organization and storage of the data. The primary field work will occur on the Kissimmee River.  Other duties will include participating in capture and surgical tag implantation in Largemouth Bass, participation in writing grant reports, capture of tagged Largemouth Bass to retrieve activity loggers, and assistance in other field and lab work as needed. The position will be headquartered in Palm Bay, FL. Some long days and overnight travel will be necessary. The position is grant funded for one year. Funding is anticipated through December 2024 pending annual continuations.  

Primary Responsibilities:   

• Use mobile radio-telemetry to track and locate tagged Largemouth Bass and record habitat parameters around located fish.
• Maintain stationary radio stations: change batteries and download data.
• Organize and store electronic records from telemetry
• Operate and maintain mobile equipment necessary for the project.
• Prepare grant reports on time according to the schedule of deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences.

*4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor's degree;  additional years of expeience as described above are also required.

Must maintain a valid driver license and possess or be willing and able to obtain boating safety and basic First/Aid CPR certificates.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency in operating and trailering boats and airboats (< 24ft)
• Comfortable using maps and GPS to navigate in remote settings
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Ability to work long field hours (10-12 hours/day) in remote locations
• Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license, boating safety card, and basic first aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to work long hours in hot and humid conditions and other inclement conditions
• Be physically capable of lifting and using heavy (e.g., 50 lbs) field equipment

Preferred Experience:

Applicants having experience with biotelemetry and experience using R or similar statistical software package to process telemetry data may be given preference.

Expected Start Date:  December 18, 2023

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?  Other Personal Services (OPS) 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 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

Where To Apply

Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Profile electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com) by the closing date listed.  Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Profile.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Melbourne

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.