OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907046

State of Florida • CRYSTAL RIVER, FL

3d • $18 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time OPS position with a potential for health benefits, funded by state and federal funds with the Shellfish Research Group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The position will be stationed in the Crystal River, Florida area. This position will serve as a member of an independent team responsible for carefully following established protocols to conduct field operations for blue crab, stone crab, and other shellfish projects in the North Central region. Duties include participating in monthly field sampling efforts, processing laboratory samples, assisting with data entry and reporting, and performing administrative duties. The role requires maintaining a valid driver's license, operating FWC vessels, and potentially SCUBA diving. The position emphasizes adherence to safety protocols, quality assurance, and effective communication with supervisors and partners.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year professional experience operating, conducting research or working onboard vessels.
• SCUBA diving certification from a nationally accredited organization and the ability to obtain AAUS scientific diving certification within 6 months of employment.

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.
• 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.
• Be courteous and respectful while assisting FWC customers and stakeholders and seek public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida citizens in a positive manner and listening to customer needs.
• Function across division/office lines by providing skills and expertise when needed.
• Comply with Section 215.422, Florida Statutes and FWC invoice-processing procedures.
• Be courteous and respectful of FWC coworkers.
• Be familiar with and ensure all actions are in compliance with FWRI policies and procedures.
• Obtain all necessary approvals from supervisor and/or COC; do not request permission/approval for actions that are contrary to FWRI policies and procedures.
• Ensure all work activities are in compliance with laboratory protocols, standards, and procedures established by the supervisor or designee.
• Ensure all work products are within quality guidelines required by the supervisor.
• Report continued empirical difficulties, if any, to supervisor.
• Be receptive to and complete remedial actions, training, or technical advice when recommended by supervisor or designee.
• Ensure that ancillary (non-project or lower priority) work activities do not delay completion of primary work product(s); refrain from engaging or requesting to engage in activities that do.
• Participate in proper care and maintenance of all laboratory equipment and facilities; take full responsibility for care and maintenance of assigned equipment.
• Participate in the request/ordering of chemicals and laboratory supplies as needed.
• Participate in approved public outreach efforts, as appropriate.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
• Biweekly Health Premiums $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family
• Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
• OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan
• On the Job Trainings
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level