OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907663

Position Overview and Responsibilities

Conduct fisheries sampling including hook-and-line fishing, seining, and collection of biological specimens. Tasks will include collecting data following defined procedures; coordinating with recreational anglers to obtain data and biological samples; planning and conducting hook-and-line and seining field trips, with associated biological sampling; extensive laboratory duties including removal and processing of otoliths and tissues for histological and genetic analysis, staging of reproductive phase, determination of age from young-of-the-year otoliths, and other duties as related to the age, growth, mortality, and reproductive biology of fishes; tagging various fish with both internal acoustic and external dart tags and maintenance of acoustic arrays; safe operation and maintenance of boats, trailers, and field equipment; entering, proofing, correcting, and archiving data using database software; analyzing data and preparing reports, data summaries, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

This position may require travel, training, and an extended field sampling schedule that includes working in potentially extreme field conditions with exposure to sun and heat, insects, and dangerous wildlife.

This position may include collaboration with various FWRI research groups and projects and with University of Florida research groups and projects and participation in public outreach events. Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• Within four months of employment, successful completion of boating safety course (from a recognized training agency), FWC boater operation course, FWC trailer towing course, and First Aid/CPR Training.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference may be given to candidates that possess a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in marine fisheries or closely related field or have demonstrated mastery of the scientific method through field operations management, co-authorships in the peer-reviewed literature and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Preference may also be given to candidates with scientific diving experience and/or experience in analysis of acoustic telemetry data.