FWC Job Announcement: FWRI 77907367, OPS F/W Biological Scientist II (Bear Research, Naples)

OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77907367

Date: Jul 14, 2020

Location: NAPLES, FL, US, 34114

 

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

 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77907367

Position Number: 77907367 

Salary:  $18.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/07/2020 

 

Open Competitive Opportunity

 

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Section: Wildlife Research-Terrestrial Mammals 

Description of Position & Duties: A Bear Research Biologist will be hired to conduct research on black bears in Florida, primarily for a 5-year study of population demographics in South Florida. The position is also expected to assist the Bear Research Program with outreach and implementing other research strategies as outlined in the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan. Duties will include capturing Florida black bears and radio-collaring female bears with GPS collars; locating winter dens and possibly radio-collaring natal bear cubs; identifying and locating mortalities of study animals; conducting VHF telemetry by truck/ATV/buggy; data analysis and writing reports; supervising direct reports (seasonal field technicians/volunteers/interns) including but not limited to assisting with selecting and training crewmembers, planning and directing work and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies and procedures. 

Work from home office with support from FWC office at 298 Sabal Palm Road, Naples, FL 34114 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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. A valid driver’s license. 

**Preference may be given to candidates who possess a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a life or physical science, preferably in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, or zoology; experience trapping and radio-collaring medium-sized or larger carnivores or large ungulates; experience immobilizing bears with Telazol (tiletamine and zolazepam); experience working in remote wilderness where off-path navigation is necessary; skill in the use of GPS and VHF telemetry, including triangulation, and skill with automotive or small engine mechanics. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of mammal biology and ecology and wildlife population management.
• Ability to conduct biological studies/surveys and generate, analyze and communicate biological data in a relevant manner.
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflicts with professionalism.
• Ability to work independently to plan, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments and as part of a team to accomplish program-level tasks.
• Ability to represent agency viewpoint without personal conflicts.

• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, orally and in writing, with people from diverse backgrounds and with various points of view including partners from other agencies and members of the public.
• Ability to direct and train seasonal technicians/interns/volunteers.
• Ability to safely operate 4x4 motor vehicles with a mechanical winch, including trucks and ATVs and to be trained to drive a swamp buggy.
• Ability to safely pull trailers or be trained to do so.
• Skills to safely and effectively operating bear traps, Aldrich spring-activated foot-snares, and dart guns.
• Ability to use chemical immobilization methods used to anesthetize bears, including calculation of dosages of immobilization chemicals and to obtain and maintain a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency controlled substance registration certificate.
• Ability to maintain vehicles and field equipment.
• Ability to collect and enter field data in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours.
• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity, carrying heavy loads and exposed to biting insects, venomous snakes, alligators, and panthers.
• Proficiency in MS software applications Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?  Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position.  OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. 

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? 

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.)     
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary 

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights 

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: Naples 

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