Easter Seals Jobs

OPS Bio Sci II - 77900900

Date: Jan 10, 2025

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Requisition No: 844173

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Bio Sci II - 77900900

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900900

Salary: $20.50/Hour

Posting Closing Date: 01/24/2025

Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)

FWC Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration

OPS Biological Scientist II

$20.50 per hour

100 8th St SE

Saint Petersburg, FL

Fish and Wildlife Health

OPS Biological Scientist II - 77900900

Saint Petersburg, Florida - $20.50 per hour

Our organization:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Requirements:

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.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Field work - Participate in field sampling trips in all estuarine and marine environments including offshore locations or in terrestrial wetland and upland ecosystems throughout the state. Trips may range from 1 to 14 days.Assist in capture of fish specimens by various means including nets, hook and line, and fish traps.Assist in capture and field health sampling of live herpetological and avian species including hand capture and trapping.Conduct shipboard necropsies on fish to collect samples and data for life history and health investigations.Properly document and sample gross abnormalities observed to affect fish, avian, and herpetological specimens. Investigate aquatic animal and avian and herpetological health and mortality events as needed.Assist with carcass collection and transfer between field and laboratory.Operate water quality monitoring instruments and record observational data on paper and electronically. Lab work -Process tissues for lipid analyses, histology, and other similar assays. Evaluate histological sections of fish gonads to score for reproductive stage and differential blood cell counts.Evaluate fish tissues and organ rinses under dissecting microscopes to isolate, enumerate, identify, and properly fix parasites. Conduct necropsies and health evaluations including both specimen dissection and data recording.Assist in microbiological and molecular work as needed including DNA extraction and qPCR assays.Laboratory upkeep and organization.Maintain specimen inventory (fixed and frozen tissues).Submit samples to laboratories for diagnostics.

Office work - Process and assist in the analysis of parasitological, pathological, environmental, geospatial, and life history data of fish, avian, and herpetological species.Assist with data entry and proofing.Assist in preparation of proposals, technical reports, scientific publications, and annual and 5-year reports.Assist with literature reviews and update and maintain the FWH EndNote database.Assist in development of protocols.Answer the Fish Kill Hotline as needed and provide high quality customer service by responding to information requests and thoroughly documenting details of public reports. Responsible for the timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors. Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements for Section 215.422, F.S., related State Comptroller's rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. Courteously assistsCommission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation generally. Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Fish anatomy and identification

Fundamentals of fish necropsy

Animal health and disease concepts for aquatic and terrestrial species

Histological processing techniques

Scientific Method; terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing

General procedures, techniques and equipment used in biological laboratory testing and analysis

Basic methods of relevant field and laboratory data collection

Skill in:

Light microscopy

DNA Extraction and PCR

Organization and time management

Basic laboratory skills including proper handling of chemicals, biosafety, adherence to protocols, analytical measurements, data collection

Use of relevant field equipment (seines, trawls, water quality instruments, etc.)

Ability to:

Participate in inshore and offshore field sampling under harsh environmental conditions which may include extended cruises up to 14 days long during which non-emergency shore communication may be impossible and sea conditions may pose a serious health risk to individuals who are prone to motion sickness

Comfortably use microscopes for several hours over the course of each week

Work nights and weekends as needed

Conduct biological research, studies or analyses using sound scientific methods and techniques

Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments with others

Analyze data using spreadsheet, graphing, and statistical software

Use Microsoft Office platforms, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Work effectively both independently and as a member of a team

Pull seine nets and lift up to 40 lbs.

Travel for fish kill investigation and sample collection in remote locations

Understand and abide by applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to this position

Maintain a valid driver’s license

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

*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.

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)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/ .

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.

Location:

ST PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33701 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33703 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33712 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33716 ST. PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33702 ST. PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33710 ST. PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33731

Nearest Major Market:Tampa