OPS Biological Scientist I – Sea Turtle Stranding Coordinator

Requisition No: 829717 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I – FWC – 77907527

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907527 

Rate of Pay:  $20/Hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/18/2024 

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

19100 SE Federal Highway

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:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
• B.S. degree in one of the physical or life sciences. Two or more years of work experience in the field of biological sciences.
• Two or more years of work experience involving sea turtles.

Requirements:

• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
• 40 hours a week, including one weekend day and at least one shift from 12-8 pm EST.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking someone to assist primarily with activities associated with the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). Since 1980, the State of Florida, through FWRI has coordinated and maintained the state’s STSSN. The FLSTSSN functions as a part of the nationwide STSSN, coordinated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This network is responsible for ensuring documentation of all dead, sick, or injured (i.e., stranded) sea turtles. In Florida, stranded sea turtles are documented by FWRI staff biologists and by a network of permitted participants located around the state. The documentation of stranded sea turtles is an important component of monitoring the status of sea turtle populations and provides an opportunity to identify and address mortality factors. 

The primary functions of this position include responding or coordinating the response to reports of stranded sea turtles and documenting the incident, transporting sick or injured sea turtles to rehabilitation facilities, assisting with the release of rehabilitated sea turtles, transporting dead turtles to necropsy, assisting with necropsies, coordinating and assisting with cold-stunning events, providing training and guidance for STSSN participants and interacting with them to maintain effective communication, and assisting with entering and updating sea turtle data. 

The secondary functions of this position include participating in public outreach as needed and performing other work as required.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of sea turtle biology and conservation, especially pertaining to sea turtles in Florida and knowledge of the terminology and methodology used when collecting data on stranded sea turtles. Ability to communicate effectively and positively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people (biological and conservation professionals, agency personnel, law enforcement personnel, private citizens, and media representatives) and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• The ability and desire to develop long-term partnerships with all STSSN participants.
• The ability to plan, organize, coordinate and prioritize work assignments, multitask, and to work independently.
• Ability to perform field work under various, sometimes adverse field conditions, including some heavy (up to 50 lbs.) lifting, and to organize and maintain field notes.
• The ability to drive a large pick-up truck, pull trailers, and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Skill in the use Microsoft Office Software and web-based databases.
• Ability to occasionally travel.
• Ability to work evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

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.

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)

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.

Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach

Nearest Secondary Market: Miami

Apply Now: https://jobs.myflorida.com/