Requisition No: 7165

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Assist Res Sci (Proj Mgr-Peninsular) - 77907596

Position Number: 77907596

Salary: $24 / hour DOE

Posting Closing Date: 04/07/2017

Job Description

The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) seeks an OPS Research Scientist to coordinate and conduct research on shorebirds and seabirds and their habitats in peninsular Florida. The successful candidate will address data gaps and other information needs, particularly regarding developing population and productivity estimates, developing adaptive predation management strategies, and provide the science necessary to inform management practices. The candidate will work closely with the regional shorebird biologists to prioritize information gaps and management information needs. The successful candidate will work with the current FWRI Shorebird Program Adaptive Management Leader to manage a suite of investigative projects. The individual will write grants targeting specific information needs, direct monitoring and other data gathering activities, collaborate with colleges and universities to establish graduate research assistantships, revise and develop monitoring protocols, participate as subject matter experts on inter- and intra-agency shorebird teams, work with field staff to direct and prioritize data collection and analyses, and report results through manuscripts and presentations to stakeholders and partners. Some overnight and weekend travel is required. The position will be based out of Gainesville, Florida.

Minimum Qualifications

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 three years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or
A master'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 professional experience as described above; or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics.

Preferred Experience

Applicants having professional experience working with Florida’s imperiled shorebirds; strong quantitative skills, an established publication record, and extensive experience operating vessels in the coastal environment are encouraged to apply and may be given preference.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Shorebirds and seabirds and associated habitats with emphases on breeding ecology, wintering ecology, and habitat relationships; shorebird management and conservation activities; shorebird monitoring, survey, and sampling protocols, study design, principles of statistical inference and analysis, familiarity with advanced techniques to model the occupancy, abundance, and demography of avian populations. Skills: use of a variety of bird trapping and banding techniques, strong quantitative and geographic information systems (GIS) skills, offshore vessel operation. Ability to: collect, record, and analyze data relating to biological research, utilize problem-solving techniques, conduct research studies or analyses using scientific methods and techniques, use computer word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software packages, review technical literature and prepare scientific reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and popular articles; use field equipment including 4WD vehicles, boats, ATV’s, UTV's, and fly in small airplanes and helicopters if necessary; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, work independently, plan, organize and coordinate work assignments, determine work priorities, elicit cooperation as necessary to achieve objectives and ensure proper and timely completion of assignments; assess budgetary needs and prepare and manage a budget; supervise assigned staff, which includes but is not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures; incorporate biological, administrative, ethical, social, and political considerations in formulating coherent, effective policies and procedures, and to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the conduct of a Commission employee.

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a 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 to determine eligibility.)
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: Gainesville