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Posting Closing Date: 04/03/2025

$20 per hour (DOE)

100 8th Ave

Minimum Qualifications:
5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program; OR

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Familiar with genetic and molecular laboratory methods and their statistical analysis; collection database software (Specify7); and identification of marine species.

Interest and experience in photography, science communication, invertebrate taxonomy, and museum work.

A bachelor’s degree and past or present graduate coursework in the biological sciences.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.

Office hours are roughly 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework. This is a full-time position (40 hrs/week).

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Managing biological specimen collections. Processing, identifying, and cataloging specimens and associated assets into the Specimen Information Services (Florida Biodiversity Collection). Responsible for taxonomic identification, phylogenetic arrangement and species description. Responsible for proper maintenance of the collection and collection facilities and the requisition and storage of all necessary supplies. Maintains a complete inventory of collection, field, visitor, volunteer and loan data on computer database system(s). Responsible for loan processing and record keeping. Handles requests for information, retrieving materials in response to research requests, packaging and shipping specimen loans, and preparing reports. Assists with photography and other digital capture of specimens as requested.

Works under the direction of the Curator. Recruits, trains, oversees and directs the activities of assigned volunteers, interns, and OPS staff. Monitors use of the collection. Identifies and contacts potential donors and grant programs, conferring with Curator on funding opportunities. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within and across Specimen Information Services, all FWRI Sections, FWC Divisions, and stakeholders public and private. Stays current on collections’ safety procedures. Performs daily walk through of collection to check for security and maintenance issues including insect/pest presence, environmental concerns such as water leaks, and collection maintenance. Communicates findings with Curator and performs follow through if necessary work is to be performed.

Works with the educational and scientific communities regarding requests for information and specimen loans and donations. Develops keys and data sheets for use by institute personnel and actively encourages vouchering of research specimens and the use of the collection by scientists, educators and the public. Assists researchers with proper specimen fixation and preservation as requested. Helps greet visitors to the collection and direct their inquiries to the appropriate area. Assists with or gives tours of the collection as requested and appropriate. Develops, promotes, and participates in public outreach activities, including large annual events (e.g. MarineQuest) and smaller talks, presentations, and demonstrations. Prepares for special events such as public presentations, exhibit development and the production of educational materials and programs. Organizes, leads and participates in fieldwork to collect specimens and data for scientific, research and educational purposes. Assists other staff as requested and approved by supervisor. May serve on various committees as required and assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the ecology and systematics of Florida’s marine animals

Knowledge of personal computers and programs for word processing and data storage retrieval, analysis, and visualization
Knowledge of standard curatorial procedures for the accessioning, cataloging and maintenance of biological specimens, and design of educational materials and exhibits
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech, including writing technical reports and grant applications
Ability to answer questions and verbally communicate scientific concepts to diverse audiences (e.g. children, students, the public) in varied settings (e.g. in person, digital, formal, informal)
Ability to supervise people and establish and maintain amicable, professional relationships
Ability to formulate policies and procedures relating to the Collection
Ability to learn and apply procedures relating to safety, hazardous waste material, and collection and collection facilities maintenance
Ability to collect data and utilize problem solving techniques
Ability to lift 50 pounds on a consistent basis, and frequently lift and carry small loads overhead and up and down ladders
Ability to gently hold and manipulate small, delicate specimens using forceps and other tools with no or minimal damage
Ability to work independently
Skill in using microscopes and other equipment customary for field and laboratory collections work
Skill in storing and organizing an inventory of various supplies and specimens (i.e. wet- and dry-preserved invertebrates)
Possess strong organizational skills and high attention to detail