Requisition No: 822992 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907377

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907377 

Salary: $19 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 04/21/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
OPS Job Announcement

SECTION: Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring
TITLE: OPS Biological Scientist I 

POSITION #: 77907377
LOCATION: Duval County, and surrounding counties

RATE OF PAY: $19 per hour 
SUPERVISOR: Mark Koryak

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries in East Central Florida by assisting with new and ongoing marine recreational fishing surveys. Duties will include but are not limited to: Conducting dockside interviews with recreational anglers to gather data on catch rates, effort, gear, and area fished; sampling fish dockside to collect accurate length and weight measurements and biological samples for age, growth, and reproduction; processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols; conducting at-sea observer surveys aboard recreational headboats and charter vessels, gathering detailed information on fish caught and released by recreational anglers; tagging fish to study release survival and movement; conducting data entry using tablets, personal computers, and database software; troubleshooting equipment and reviewing data for quality assurance; and participation in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by the section supervisor.

This position requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule of 30 to 40 hours per week (variable by week) that will often require working weekends and holidays, early in the morning and late at night for long durations (10 hours or more). The successful candidate will primarily work in Duval, and Nassau counties, traveling to St Johns, Flagler, or Volusia as needed. This position requires the ability to work on fishing vessels in the Atlantic Ocean in adverse conditions. The position requires direct contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry, and the qualified applicant will be expected to always represent the Agency in a courteous and professional manner. Applicants will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without supervision while adhering to specific deadlines and targets. To learn more about the project we are hiring for, visit:  http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/

https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/srfs/program/ .

• This project work will be paid through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations.
• Funding is guaranteed through fiscal year 23/24.Continued funding is dependent on the extension of the project or on new grants or funding being awarded.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major 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. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference may be given to individuals demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, at-sea experience, experience identifying finfish to species, and experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs. Relevant marine-related experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of fish morphology, identification of marine fishes to species, statistical survey sampling methods, data collection, and data entry. Ability to communicate with the public effectively and with diplomacy; to work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision; to gather, maintain, and analyze data; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective working relationships; work on the water and in adverse conditions; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; operate a personal computer; and maintain frequent contact with field staff and supervisors; maintain a valid driver’s license.

This position requires the candidate to successfully complete a level 1 background check prior to hire at no cost to the candidate.

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) 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

TO APPLY:

Submit an electronic application through People First by the closing date.

FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/American Disability Act Employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, as defined by the ADA, please contact the hiring authority in advance.

Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility.

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.