OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II

Requisition No: 835566

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42903048

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42903048

Salary: $21.00 Hourly

Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2024

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OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY-

THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

CONTACT:

Mark Larson at (352) 395-4926

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one (1) year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program.

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the one (1) year of required experience.

Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency.

Requires possession of a valid driver license.

***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional to moderate travel required.

Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.

JOB DUTIES:

This is a professional position responsible to the Forestry Resource Administrator for planning, development and coordination of forest management practices that enhance and protect unique habitats and plant and animal species in their natural forest environment onseven state forests of the Waccasassa Forestry Center.The state forests included in the Waccasassa Forestry Center are Carl Duval Moore, Etoniah Creek, Welaka, Newnans Lake, Indian Lake, Ross Prairie, and Goethe State Forests.

Develops and implements ecologically-sound forest managment prescriptions that promote native habitat integrity and protect rare, threatened and endangered species of plants and animals occurring on Waccasassa Forestry Center state forests. Reviews silvicultural plans to ensure compliance with overall ecological managment goals for the forest, as well as for compliance with DHR concerning historical resources. Coordinates ecosystem managment practices with federal, state and other local agencies and appropriate private organizations to ensure a well balanced managment program for these species. Surveys, inventories, and monitors rare, threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna and maintains a permananet record of esstential information for future management purposes.

Conducts periodic and routine field inspections to inventory and monitor conditions of forest stands, habitats and wildlife populations. Coordinates with volunteers to assist with monitoring activities. Assists other state agencies with the preparation and update of the natural areas inventory. Makes recommendations for lands involved with wildlife or ecological mitigation. Coordinates with county governments and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in the relocation of threatened or endangered species.

Coordinates with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and other agencies in the development of wildlife management plans on Waccasassa Forestry Center state forests. Contributes to fire prescriptions for inclusion in the fire management plan which enhances wildlife habitat for both game and non-game species of forest fauna. Evaluates prescribed fire plans, reforestation plans, road construction, timber sales, recreation, and other multiple use activities for impacts on biological diversity and cultural resources and assesses compliance with all applicable local, state or federal laws on Waccasassa Forestry Center state forests.

Provides periodic instruction to district staff, such as exotic species control. Willingly performs other duties as assigned including the proper maintenance of all assigned equipment and vehicles.

Assists staff with the chemical and mechanical control of invasive plants.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Skill in the use of scientific field equipment.
• Ability to collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.
• Ability to conduct biological research, studies or analysis using scientific methods and techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the biological sciences.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck.

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
• Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

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.