OPS - Fisheries & Wildlife Research Associate - FWC

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - 77900981

Position Number: 77900981 

Salary:  $16-$19 hourly depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 05/24/2018 

 

The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) group of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for a full-time Other Personnel Services (OPS) Research Associate. This position involves providing technical support, using molecular and microbiological techniques, to better understand diverse aspects of HAB ecology. The successful candidate will have appropriate expertise to assist with ongoing research and monitoring efforts and associated administrative duties. For more information on research and activities, please see http://www.myfwc.com/research/redtide/labs-people/.

 

Duties for this position involve:

  • Conducting PCR-based genetic assays (such as running gels, qPCR, DNA fingerprinting, HTS and Sanger sequencing) for identification/quantification of phytoplankton species;
  • Isolating and maintaining phytoplankton cultures using aseptic techniques;
  • Measuring changes in phytoplankton growth;
  • Preparing, collecting, and analyzing field samples through routine and event response monitoring efforts;
  • Using microscopy to identify and enumerate phytoplankton species;
  • Assisting with lab administrative duties (e.g., purchasing, making stock solutions, database entry, routine equipment maintenance, scheduling project and lab meetings, etc.);
  • Contributing data and/or written material for reports and manuscripts;
  • Helping with team and project outreach as needed

 

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 two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or
  • Two years of experience as a Research Assistant - FWC.
  • 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.
  • 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.

 

Desired qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the physical or life sciences (Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Oceanography, Biochemistry, or related subject)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Prior lab and classroom expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and statistics
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (especially Excel and Power Point)
  • Expertise in basic genetic analyses (PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing) 

 

Desired qualifications and abilities include:

  • Ability to troubleshoot molecular and other lab-based assays
  • Familiarity with R, Matlab, Access, statistical and/or command-line driven software
  • Experience using genetic analysis software (e.g. NCBI, BioEdit, Sequencher, Mothur, etc.)
  • Interest in harmful algae

 

Compensation:

Hourly compensation will range between $16 to $19, depending on experience. This position is eligible for overtime.  

 

To apply:

As an equal opportunity employer, FWRI values workplace diversity. Applications will be accepted until the closing date above. To apply, please:

  1. First, complete an up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Profile electronically in People First (http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?optlink-view=view-699072&ERFormID=newjoblist&ERFormCode=any) by the closing date listed. 
  2. Next, combine the following into a single PDF document (1) a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and your interest in HABs and the position, (2) your CV summarizing education and employment; and (3) the names of three references.
  3. Finally, email the PDF to fwri.hab.dna@gmail.com.

 

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 (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
  • 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: Tampa