Biological Scientist I (OPS) - FWC (Gainesville, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/21/2025 

$17.00 per hour

 

Minimum Qualifications:
4 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 can substitute for the required experience.  
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: A master’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Freshwater Invertebrate Conservation Group is seeking a motivated individual to assist program coordinators with a State Wildlife Grant funded project to evaluate the life history, habitat preferences, environmental tolerances, and population structure of the Black Creek crayfish (Procambarus pictus). Responsibilities include: assisting Research Coordinator and project biologists with implementation of field work to assess populations of Black Creek crayfish; sample crayfish communities using qualitative and quantitative methods; species level taxonomic identifications of crayfish; measurement of variables related to stream morphology, habitat structure, and water quality according to Standard Operating Procedures; data entry, management, compilation, and curation of databases associated with crayfish collection, specimen observation, and environmental parameters; maintenance of project vehicles, sampling gear, and laboratory equipment; other duties as assigned by supervisor.
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of field methods used to sample crayfish and other invertebrates.

  • Knowledge of current issues and literature in crayfish ecology.

  • Knowledge of current issues and literature in stream ecology, aquatic ecology, invertebrate zoology, invasive species ecology, and related fields.

  • Ability to identify crayfish to species level.

  • Ability to operate agency vehicles on unpaved roads, including conditions requiring four-wheel drive.

  • Ability to conduct aquatic field work outdoors for long hours in inclement conditions.

  • Ability to work independently and in a research team environment.

  • Ability to write legibly and record data accurately.

  • Ability to operate electronic instruments, including YSI multiparameter meters, flow meters, GPS units, and data loggers.

  • Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines.

  • Ability to operate a computer with a Windows operating system.

  • Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

  • Ability to enter recorded data properly into Excel spreadsheets and manage databases.