OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907126

State of Florida•Port Charlotte, FL

1d•$20•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. This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers no benefits or moving expenses. Occasional overtime hours may occur. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are paid @ 1.5 times the regular wage. Conduct directed field research and monitoring of commercial fisheries from Florida’s Gulf Coast waters by collecting detailed biostatistical data, including but not limited to: species composition, sex ratio, fish weight, and size of fish and shellfish from commercial catches. Interview fishermen to gather additional data on catch rates, effort, gear, and area fished. This position will also collect samples from marine fish for stock assessments and genetic analysis. Compile and enter data into databases as necessary. Data must be prepared and delivered in a timely manner. Evaluate collection procedures and suggest modifications. Participate in the development of methodologies for collecting appropriate biostatistical data on new and emerging fisheries. Maintain field sampling equipment. Additional duties may include data analysis, production of tables and figures for publication, participation in technical or scientific reports, and occasional sampling of recreational fisheries. The qualified applicant would be based at the Port Charlotte Field Lab in Port Charlotte, FL. The position requires frequent day-time travel in Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, occasional overnight travel to St. Petersburg, and opportunities to travel to other regions of Florida as needed. Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor. May participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate.

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.
Knowledge of and ability to: Identify marine fish and invertebrates from Florida’s Gulf Coast waters; apply scientific sampling methodology and statistical techniques for analyzing fisheries data.
Ability to: conduct field sampling of commercial and recreational catches of fish and interview fishers to obtain characteristics of their fishing trips; operate computers including tablets; submit travel electronically; use MS Office and other appropriate computer software; establish and maintain effective working relationships with FWC and other agency staff, and with commercial fishers and dealers; communicate effectively with the public and maintain field sampling equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience removing otoliths through the gills
Florida Gulf Coast fish ID
Scientific data collection

Responsibilities

Conduct directed field research and monitoring of commercial fisheries from Florida’s Gulf Coast waters by collecting detailed biostatistical data, including but not limited to: species composition, sex ratio, fish weight, and size of fish and shellfish from commercial catches.
Interview fishermen to gather additional data on catch rates, effort, gear, and area fished.
Collect samples from marine fish for stock assessments and genetic analysis.
Compile and enter data into databases as necessary.
Evaluate collection procedures and suggest modifications.
Participate in the development of methodologies for collecting appropriate biostatistical data on new and emerging fisheries.
Maintain field sampling equipment.
Data analysis
Production of tables and figures for publication
Participation in technical or scientific reports
Sampling of recreational fisheries
Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor.
Participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate.