OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907419 - GAINESVILLE - 32601

Requisition No: 509525
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907419
Position Number: 77907419
Salary: $24.68/Hour
Posting Closing Date: 12/03/2021
Job description: The State of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) seeks an OPS Assistant Research Scientist to coordinate ongoing research on black rails and saltmarsh passerines. This is a term position that will last one year from the starting date. The candidate is expected to lead an ongoing black rail occupancy study and develop wintering saltmarsh passerine surveys. The candidate may also participate in an ongoing study of the effects of fire on saltmarsh passerines and mammals. 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, 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. The position will be based out of Gainesville, Florida. Please contact Andrew Cox (Andrew.Cox@myfwc.com [Andrew.Cox@myfwc.com]) with any questions.
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.
**Prefernece may be given to candidates who possess a master's degree or a Ph.D. in one of the biological sciences or related fireld. Candidates having professional experience in research with black rails and/or saltmarsh passerines, strong quantitative and geographice information systems (GIS) skills, and an established publication record may also be given preference.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of: Wetland birds and habitat with emphases on breeding ecology, wintering ecology, population ecology, and habitat relationships; wetland 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 bird trapping and banding techniques, use of ARUs and ARU data processing, data management and analysis in Program R. Ability to: collect, record, and analyze data relating to biological research, use 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; maintain a valid driver's license, 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; supervisor others effectively; 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, cover letters, and any other supporting documentation should be submitted at the time of application.
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license.
START DATE: January 2021
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.
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