What are the responsibilities and job description for the OPS Bio Sci I position at The State of Florida?
Requisition No: 776982
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Bio Sci I - 77907617
Position Number: 77907617
Salary: $16.50 - $17.50 per hour, depending on experience
Posting Closing Date: 12/16/2022
Freshwater Invertebrate Biologist
The Freshwater Invertebrate Resource Assessment and Research Program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking to hire a freshwater invertebrate biologist/ecologist to assist with statewide research projects. The successful candidate will be headquartered in Gainesville and will be involved with all aspects of the statewide program, including research study design, field work, laboratory sample processing, taxonomic identifications, database compilation, data analysis, report writing, peer-reviewed publication authorship, outreach, and equipment maintenance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A master’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university program with an emphasis in aquatic entomology or freshwater invertebrate ecology. At least one year of professional experience in a freshwater invertebrate research program/laboratory.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
The entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform job duties are: Ability to work independently and in a research team environment under sometimes stressful conditions. Knowledge of field methods used to quantitatively and qualitatively sample freshwater invertebrates in lakes, streams, ponds, and marshes. Knowledge of taxonomic literature and techniques used to identify major groups of freshwater invertebrates to family and genus. Knowledge of operation of GPS units and other handheld electronic units used to measure environmental parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, current velocity). Knowledge of boat operation and boat trailering. Ability to write legibly and record field data accurately. Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines. Ability to swim. Ability to conduct vigorous field work outdoors for long hours in harsh weather conditions that may include rain, high temperatures, low temperatures, alligators, snakes, and biting insects. Ability to operate a computer with Windows operating system. Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point. Ability to curate collections of freshwater invertebrates, including production of legible handwritten notes and labels for specimens. Ability to enter recorded data into excel spreadsheets. Ability to manage Excel databases.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Field sampling of freshwater invertebrate communities, including crayfish, snails, mussels, and insects in streams, springs, and lakes using a variety of methods that may include wading, snorkeling, dip netting, trapping, dredging, and motor driven sampling devices. Handling of live and dead freshwater invertebrates. Enumeration and measurement of freshwater invertebrates. Measurement of environmental parameters concurrent with sampling using a variety of electronic equipment that may include flow meters, multi-probe units (temperature, dissolved oxygen, SCT, salinity, pH) and GPS units. Accurate recording of organism counts and field measurements on field sheets. Boat operation and trailering of boats to and from sample sites.
2. Laboratory processing of freshwater invertebrate samples collected from lakes, ponds, streams, and springs.
3. Slide mounting of certain groups of aquatic invertebrates for identification, including Oligochaeta,
Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, and Simuliidae.
4. Taxonomic identification of freshwater invertebrates in field and laboratory situations.
5. Data entry. Management of freshwater invertebrate databases and vouchered collections.
6. Assist Project Leader with production of reports, scientific publications, posters, and presentations.
7. Maintenance of laboratory equipment including meters, scales, analytical balances, ovens, and microscopes.
8. Maintenance of field equipment including vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, meters, and invertebrate
sampling gear.
9. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
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.
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.
Salary : $17 - $18
