OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77900176, 77907298

Requisition No: 823210 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77900176, 77907298

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900176; 77907298 

Salary:  $20.00/hr plus overtime 

Posting Closing Date: 03/05/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

JOB DESCRIPTION   Two full-time (40 hrs/week) OPS research assistant positions are available in the Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), a division of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These positions are part of the Terrestrial Habitat Research team and will be based at the Lovett E. Williams, Jr. Wildlife Research Laboratory in Gainesville, FL, but will entail extensive travel to remote field sites, including overnights. The OPS research assistants will work as part of a team to execute ecological field data collection, data management, and associated laboratory and office tasks in two primary project areas: 1) surveying plant communities in ephemeral wetlands of the Florida panhandle, which are being restored for endangered reticulated and frosted flatwoods salamanders (Ambystoma bishopi and A. cingulatum) and associated species; 2) conducting surveys to locate flatwoods salamander egg clusters in ephemeral wetland ecotones and record associated ecological data; and 3) investigating the effects of hardwood reduction treatments on sandhill ephemeral wetland plant communities in north-central Florida that are being restored for gopher frogs (Lithobates capito) and associated species. Assistance with other research and monitoring projects may also be required on an as-needed basis. The job is anticipated to begin on or around March 25, 2024. Starting salary is expected to be $20.00/hr.

 

**Applicants must be available for overnight travel during the normal work week for the duration of the appointment (typically 4 days/3 nights, Monday - Thursday), for field work on remote sites. Transportation and lodging will be provided and meals will be reimbursed for overnight trips. Must be willing to conduct physically demanding field work under adverse conditions (e.g. heat, biting insects, dense vegetation). Must maintain a valid driver's license, and following proper training, operate any other vehicles or vessels necessary to accomplish field work (e.g. ATVs, UTVs, and boats as appropriate)**

 

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. *4 years professional experience in a directly related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree; additional years of experience as described above are also required.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES  At least one college-level course in plant taxonomy or plant identification; professional experience with plant identification; basic scientific data collection skills; knowledge of Florida ecosystems and native plant communities; knowledge of wetland ecology and hydrology; experience with ecological field research methods; and experience with data collection/data management using Excel, Google Sheets, R, and ArcGIS. Ability to operate independently and utilize problem-solving techniques in the field, laboratory, and office; and communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Must be available for extensive fieldwork with overnight travel, including up to 4 day/3 night trips during the work week.

 

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

    

This position requires the candidate to have successful completion of a level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate prior to hire.

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