OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77903035

State of Florida • SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Requirements

• 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.
• Applicants must include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.
• Cover letters, resumes, and references shall be uploaded to the People First System.
• Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.
• Prior to the start of surveys, applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training, which may also include the satisfactory completion of an FAA second-class medical certificate.
• Applicants will need to be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adept at problem-solving and time management to succeed in this position.
• Qualified applicants will have knowledge of: basic principles of field research and data collection; wildlife photography; digital photography equipment; marine animal identification, photo-identification of individual animals; and Microsoft Office programs.
• Qualified applicants must have the skills to: cultivate successful working relationships with team members; excel under uncomfortable and mentally-demanding field conditions including a full day of observing while seated in a small aircraft or aboard a small vessel; plan, organize, prioritize, and complete work assignments on time; communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Qualified applicants must have the ability to: thrive in a small team environment and communicate effectively with team members; understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures as described in training; apply sound judgement when making decisions related to survey protocols, safety, permit compliance, and data collection; swim sufficiently to save oneself; visually survey for right whales and other target species with distance vision 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, and utilizing full field of vision; carry-out daily manual labor; vertically lift at least 50 pounds; maintain a valid driver’s license and safely operate vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences.
• Preference may also be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience; practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques; and who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses.

Responsibilities

• Surveying open ocean from a small aircraft to locate large whales.
• Collecting in-flight survey data and photo-documentation of large whales.
• Performing real-time photo-identification of right whales.
• Assisting with survey planning and communications while in flight.
• Performing data management and archival tasks including entering and verifying tabular and spatial data.
• Providing ground support for the aerial survey crew.
• Assisting with documentation of large whale reports from the public.
• Communicating effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public.
• Assisting with vessel surveys and genetic sampling efforts as time allows.
• Assisting with field necropsies of right whales and large whale disentanglement.

Benefits

• Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
• Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
• 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

• Career Level: Entry Level