OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293

Date: Sep 28, 2018

Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL, US, 33954

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907293-FL-33954/508988500/

Requisition No: 45303

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293

Position Number: 77907293

Salary: $13.50 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2018

Job Description

The successful candidate will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Port Charlotte Field Lab (MMPL)/Southwest field station (Southwest region: ten county area along the southwest Florida coast). This is a 40 hour per week position which includes one weekend day and some holidays in rotation with other SWFL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned. Incumbent will be expected to respond to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Duties include but are not limited to:

Fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the general public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees and cetaceans;
Verification of mortalities and distressed manatees and cetaceans, potentially in need of rescue
Recovery and transportation of those carcasses to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) for necropsy; participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees and cetaceans to appropriate facility;
Performing and assisting with field necropsies when appropriate
Vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance
Photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather habitat areas on the southwest coast
Entering and/or mapping data such as carcasses using software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Access and Word
Completing paperwork including time sheets, manatee carcass and rescue reports, and technical reports
Participate in manatee aerial surveys and tracking projects, assisting with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups and agencies as time permits
General cleaning of office and equipment, attend trainings, seminars and meetings

Minimum Requirements

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

Preferred Experience

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

Desired Knowledge, Skill(s), 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 up to 26’ in length
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

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 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

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: Fort Myers

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907293-FL-33954/508988500/