Requisition No: 850796
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Research Associate-FWC - 77900900
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77900900
Salary: $22/Hour
Posting Closing Date: 05/01/2025
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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Research Associate – OPS Position
$22 per hour
100 8th Ave SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration
Fish and Wildlife Health
Research Associate Scientist - OPS 77900900
Saint Petersburg, Florida - $22 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:
6 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 major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or two years of experience as a Research Assistant – FWC; or, A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for one year of the required experience; or, A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates with a masters degree in one of the natural sciences and experience in animal health
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.
Applicant must submit a cover letter and CV.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Field work: Participate in field sampling trips in diverse habitats ranging from offshore and estuarine water bodies to freshwater wetlands and upland ecosystems, in areas accessed by large and small research vessels, offroad vehicles, or on foot. Trips may range from 1 to 14 days. Assist with ichthyological, herpetological, and avian field collections by various sampling methods including nets, hook and line, traps, and hand capture. Operate small research vessels in estuarine and inland waterbodies including towing and launching/retrieving boats at ramps (mandatory training to be provided). Conduct routine maintenance for small vessels, vehicles, and field equipment. 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. 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; maintaining specimen inventory (fixed and frozen tissues) and submitting samples 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; set up and maintain an online 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
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: Fish, reptile, and avian anatomy and identification; Fundamentals of 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; Use of morphological keys for identification of vertebrates and their parasites; 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; EndNote; 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.
