OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907188
Date: Sep 21, 2018
Location: GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32601
Requisition No: 44662
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Working Title: OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907188
Position Number: 77907188
Salary: $23.40/hr
Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2018
FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
Wildlife Research Section – Avian
Job Description:
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seeks an OPS Research Scientist to coordinate and lead research on the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow. The position will also lead a statewide burrowing owl survey and work on other upland nongame avian projects as needed. The successful candidate will collaborate with agency managers and other researchers to prioritize and implement projects that estimate avian densities, monitor population trends, estimate demographic rates, assess habitat-use and resource selection, and produce other information necessary for the successful management of focal species. The candidate will write grant proposals to fund research, analyze and publish data in peer-reviewed journals, books, and proceedings. The candidate will represent the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at professional and public meetings and serve on inter-divisional and inter-agency teams on bird-related conservation and management issues. He/she will also provide technical assistance to improve the quality of focal species’ habitats and prepare technical and non-technical reports, such as annual reports, final reports, and contract reports to granting agencies. He/she will also administer budgets and supervise daily activities of subordinate seasonal and temporary staff. Some overnight and weekend travel is required. Work weeks are 40 hours, with some overtime available. The position will be based out of Gainesville, Florida and will start in January 2019. Please email Andrew Cox (FLAvianResearch@yahoo.com) with any questions.
Required Education:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university a 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.
**Preference will be given to candidates with a Master's Degree or higher.
Preferred Experience: Applicants having professional experience in research with Florida’s upland nongame bird species, strong quantitative and geographic information systems (GIS) skills, and an established publication record are encouraged to apply and may be given preference.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: Upland nongame birds and habitat with emphases on breeding ecology, wintering ecology, population ecology, and habitat relationships; upland nongame bird habitat conservation principles and techniques; avian 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 skills. 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, database, and GIS software packages, review technical literature and prepare scientific reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and popular articles; use laboratory and field equipment including 4WD vehicles and telemetry equipment; 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.
Where To Apply:
Applicants are required to apply through People First by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time of application online.
If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287.
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