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State of Florida · 1 day ago

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907046

Crystal River, FL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$18/hr - $20/hr

4+ years exp

The State of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking an OPS Biological Scientist I to join their Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. This role involves conducting field operations and laboratory work related to shellfish projects, including blue crab and stone crab research.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

Participating in monthly field sampling efforts which involve: construction, maintenance, and deployment of various field sampling gear; following safety protocols while on the boat, and in particular, if participating in SCUBA diving operations; conducting benthic and pelagic sample collection, sorting, dissection, and preservation; maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers

Adhering to the standard field operating procedures of multiple monitoring and research projects to include but not limited to blue crab, stone crab, and oysters

Processing laboratory samples which involves: following sampling and quality assurance/quality control protocols; processing live animals and time-sensitive samples in a timely manner; conducting chemical and biochemical analyses including safe handling of a variety of chemicals; handling live and preserved animal specimens as well as dead specimens in varied states of decay. Laboratory work will often be repetitive and tedious, and the employee in this position will be expected to participate in those activities

Assisting with data entry and proofing; assisting with preparation of summary reports that include descriptive statistics and graphs

Administrative duties which include: adhering to purchasing protocols; completing travel documents; submitting timesheets

Because sampling will occur year-round, this position will require effective use of time to balance field work with laboratory and office duties as they pertain to research goals, including close communication with the supervisor

Maintaining a valid drivers license and driving state vehicles, often while trailering research vessels up to 25’ in length, to and from research sites

Operating FWC vessels in waters of the state and adjacent federal waters

SCUBA diving is a component of oyster field work which would require dive certification from a nationally accredited organization and the ability to obtain AAUS scientific diving certification within 6 months of employment

Interacting with multiple project partners on a frequent basis, and maintaining professional working relationships

Other Duties As Required By The Immediate Supervisor

Qualification

Biological researchField samplingLaboratory proceduresSCUBA diving certificationData collection methodsMicrosoft ExcelTeamworkProblem-solvingCommunication skills

Required

Four (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

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

This position will involve prolonged intensive field work in adverse and physically challenging conditions during all months of the year, including overtime and multi-day efforts

General working hours are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week on a schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday

However, workdays may periodically reach or exceed 12 hours in duration or require a weekend workday

If the work week exceeds 40 hours, then overtime is authorized for this position

Maintaining a valid drivers license and driving state vehicles, often while trailering research vessels up to 25' in length, to and from research sites

Operating FWC vessels in waters of the state and adjacent federal waters

Interacting with multiple project partners on a frequent basis, and maintaining professional working relationships

Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in scientific research and knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices associated with marine science fisheries research

Skill with methods of data collection, and laboratory and field preparations in support of field-oriented research

Skill with basic laboratory methods including counting, weighing, measuring, animal dissections, tissue preparation and incubation, microscopy, species identification, data recording, data entry and data proofing

Skill with scientific laboratory and field equipment

Skill using Microsoft office programs including Excel and Word

Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions and maintain flexibility with work hours, including working overtime and weekends

Ability to learn standard operating protocols and willingly follow and adhere to them

Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals at the direction of the supervisor or field team leader

Ability to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques

Ability to lift at least 50 lbs repeatedly over extended periods

Ability to learn skills to safely trailer, operate, and collect scientific samples from vessels up to 25' in length