Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907706 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 77907706 Salary: $20.00/hour Posting Closing Date: 04/19/2024 Wildlife Research/Marine Mammals Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907706 St. Petersburg, FL - $20/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. Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a successful completion of a Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate prior to hire. Position Overview and Responsibilities: This is a 40 hour per week position, located at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in Saint Petersburg, FL which participates in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's marine mammal research program in Northwest Florida. This position will be responsible for assisting in the coordination of salvage and recovery of manatee carcasses for the Northwest field station (Northwest region: coastal and inland waterways of Manatee County to Escambia County). Assists in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine mammal (other than manatee) carcasses for the Northwest field station (Northwest region: coastal and inland waterways of Manatee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties). Serve as a member of FWC's marine mammal necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on marine mammals, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. Responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Leads or assist in marine mammal rescue and transport operations in the Northwest region. Assist with marine mammal rescue and capture operations along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed. Works holidays in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned. Responds to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Assists with the management of cetacean stranding data for MMPL responses. Assists with managing NOAA stranding database and completes routine uploads to NOAA-NMFS. Completes and updates level A cetacean information. Assists with filling cetacean data requests. Assists with managing samples collected from stranded cetaceans. Assists with writing manatee rescue and mortality reports. Responsible for assisting with NRDA award administration including assisting with budget tracking, monthly and annual progress reports. Leads and assists with repairs and maintenance of MMPL laboratory and field equipment including repairs and general maintenance of vehicles, boats, and trailers. Assists with purchases and restocking laboratory and field consumables. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the MMPA and NOAA/NMFS stranding protocols methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; DSLR cameras, filters, and lenses. Skills: databases, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as portable ultrasound, PIT tags, venipuncture kits, and biopsy equipment. Familiarity with capture, handling, and transport of marine mammals. Abilities to: perform daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions (independently or as a team); perform strenuous duties and lift at least 75 lbs; be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself in an emergency; assist with writing monthly grant reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 24'; speak effectively to the public; possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's License within one month of employment and boater safety certification within first six months. 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/<javascript:void(0);>. 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: Tampa Kerry Sanchez Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 3700 54th Ave. South<x-apple-data-detectors://3/0> St. Petersburg, FL 33711<x-apple-data-detectors://3/0> Kerry.Sanchez@myFWC.com Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922<tel:1-888-404-3922>