OPS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:  ANTICIPATED VACANCY

EXPECTED START DATE: September 1, 2021 (or soon thereafter)

DURATION: 12 months, full-time

Agency:  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division:  Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Section: Wildlife Research

Subsection: Marine Mammals

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist II

Position #: 77907601

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County)

Rate of Pay: $22.00 per hour.  Full-time (40 hours/week).  Limited benefits, but state group health insurance is available to eligible candidates. 

Posting Date: July 23, 2021

Closing Date: August 9, 2021

Job Description:

     We expect to receive funding for a 12-month OPS position to carry out a NOAA-funded actionable science grant project, entitled “Creating Secure Warm-water Habitat Networks for Manatees along Florida’s Gulf Coast:  Developing a Vision, Identifying Gaps, and Prioritizing Restoration Sites.”  The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a plan to identify and address the highest research priorities to meet management needs regarding the creation, enhancement, or protection of warm-water habitats for manatees.  We aim to achieve that through “coproduction of science,” which involves a team of researchers and managers working closely together from the initiation of project planning so that research outcomes can be directly applied to management decision-making.

     We seek a highly organized and motivated scientist to take a leading role in the execution of this project, including the following responsibilities:  locating, inventorying, and compiling existing biological, environmental, and human dimensions datasets; identifying key gaps in existing data sets; summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing data into useful products (e.g., GIS maps, graphs, tables, written summaries) for use in reports and presentations; assisting with metadata documentation and data archival; helping to define features of an optimal warm-water habitat network; organizing project team meetings, documents and outputs; and drafting and coordinating team member input into the preparation of two final products, a research and development plan and a transfer and application plan.  The person in this position will clearly communicate technical information to project team members and stakeholders, while maintaining a professional working environment that promotes teamwork.  Tasks must be completed each month to stay on track with a full project schedule and to ensure deliverables are completed by established deadlines.  This position does not involve field work or data collection activities.  Other duties may be assigned by supervisor as needed.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

The entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform job duties are:

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of biological research, data analysis, and ecological study design.
• Experience in data analysis and synthesis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and technical report writing. 
• Skilled in use of spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Skilled in use of mapping software, including ArcGIS (or other GIS software) and Google Earth.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments in a timely manner to meet assigned deadlines.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings.

Qualified applicants will need to be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adept at problem-solving and time management to succeed in this position.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in one of the life sciences.  Experience with ArcGIS preferred.

Application Requirements:

Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed.  Go to:  https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77907601 in the keyword search field).  Applicants should also upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email and phone) for three references with their People First application by the closing date, but these do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form.  Applicants are required to complete the additional application questions.  If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. 

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.  OPS employees are not eligible for paid vacation, sick leave or state holidays and are only compensated for hours worked.

This is a grant-funded OPS position with limited benefits. This position will be funded based on a 12-month grant that the Commission expects to receive shortly.

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 (This position is eligible for health insurance. The individual must meet eligibility requirements; current employees or someone who has worked for the State of Florida (or state university system) and is rehired within 13 weeks of their separation date, are encouraged to consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details on their 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
• No moving expenses provided

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

Chip Deutsch, Ph.D.

Associate Research Scientist

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

E-mail:  Chip.Deutsch@MyFWC.com

http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/radiotelemetry-tracking/