Requisition No: 833464 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77990922

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77990922 

Salary:  $20/Hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/04/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

 

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position 

$20 per hour

4020 South Highway A1A

Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77990922

Melbourne Beach, Florida - $20 per hour

 

 

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.

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

Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies.
Computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook as well data management.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference.

Applicants having marine mammal photo-id collection experience in the field may be given preference.

Applicants with experience working alongside unpaid volunteers may be given preference. 

Applicants with vehicle, trailer and/or vessel maintenance may be given preference. 

 

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Sunday to Thursday. Not eligible for Telework.

 

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory.  The incumbent will serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports.  This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County, Brevard, Indian River, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties of Florida) and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed.  This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments.  This position will be responsible for managing and preforming basic monthly maintenance for the East Central region’s field and lab equipment including trucks, trailers, vessels and other field gear. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification, temperature probe deployment and retrieval, assisting with training volunteers and interns, participate in outreach events as needed as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor.  This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Sunday to Thursday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned.  This position will serve in rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees

Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis

Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques

Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses

Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques 

Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels

Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26’ in length and smaller

Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions

Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself

Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions

Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Be comfortable speaking to the public

Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within a month of employment

Be capable of passing a background check before employment 

 

Why should I apply?

 

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. .

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan 

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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.