OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907368

State of Florida•Eustis, FL

11d•$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 a full time OPS position. The incumbent will support fisheries biologists and managers with a variety of responsibilities, including sample collection, organization, processing, data entry and analysis, and equipment maintenance and repair in order to achieve project objectives. The successful candidate will play an active role in ongoing research, most notably the Harris Chain of Lakes Long-Term Monitoring Program, which includes standardized fish community assessments, Florida bass electrofishing, Florida bass age-sample collections, black crappie trawling, and roving creel surveys. The position will also contribute to directed research projects such as the Lake Apopka camera creel, angler-harvested black crappie aging, Harris Chain of Lakes water quality studies, and Florida trophy bass research.

Requirements

5 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 and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university 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.
Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Not eligible for Telework.
Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.
Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
Knowledge of freshwater fisheries ecology, population dynamics, and applied fisheries management principles.
Knowledge of fisheries sampling techniques, including trawling, electrofishing, creel surveys, and fish community assessments.
Knowledge of age and growth analysis methods, including otolith extraction, preparation, mounting, and aging using microscopy.
Knowledge of long-term monitoring program design, data quality control, and trend analysis.
Skill in planning, coordinating, and leading field-based fisheries sampling programs.
Skill in collecting, entering, organizing, and managing large fisheries datasets with attention to accuracy and quality assurance.
Skill in statistical analysis and data interpretation to support stock assessments, VPA development, and management decisions.
Skill in developing research proposals, study designs, and budgets for applied fisheries research.
Ability to secure and manage research funding from internal and external sources.
Ability to assist with and contribute to independent research projects led by other staff members.
Ability to communicate scientific information effectively through written reports, oral presentations, posters, peer-reviewed publications, and public outreach.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research and monitoring team.
Ability to translate scientific findings into practical fisheries management recommendations.
Ability to operate boats and field equipment and work safely in a field-based research environment under varying environmental conditions.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Ability to work independentlyAbility and desire to work in an extremely fast-paced, team environmentAbility to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines Ability to act on changing priorities and responsibilities
Ability to organize and file documentsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with othersAbility to work in a confidential environment.
High attention to detail
Possess strong organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:One or more years of boat electrofishing or creeling experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as an active member of the Harris Chain Research and Monitoring Program, collaborating with biologists, technicians, and managers on integrated research and monitoring efforts.
Lead and coordinate the statewide black crappie trawling program, including planning, field execution, data management, and quality control.
Collect, enter, organize, analyze, and manage fisheries data to support long-term monitoring, stock assessment, and research objectives.
Extract, prepare, mount, and age fish otoliths using microscopy techniques to support age and growth analyses.
Collect and analyze data to support black crappie VPA development and long-term population trend assessments.
Propose, develop, and lead new fisheries research projects with direct management applications.
Secure funding for research projects through internal and external funding sources, including proposal development and budget management.
Assist with ongoing independent research projects led by other staff members, including field sampling, laboratory processing, data analysis, and reporting.
Manage and conduct the Lake Harris creel survey, including field sampling, data entry, and coordination with staff and stakeholders.
Assist with fall fish community electrofishing surveys as part of the long-term monitoring program.
Participate in spring largemouth bass electrofishing surveys.
Assist with summer aquatic plant mapping and associated data collection.
Communicate research and monitoring findings through technical reports, oral presentations, posters, peer-reviewed publications, and public outreach efforts.
Collaborate with managers and stakeholders to translate scientific findings into fisheries management recommendations.