OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907513 - GAINESVILLE - 32601

Requisition No: 501781
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907513
Position Number: 77907513
Salary: $22-25/Hour - Depending on Experience
Posting Closing Date: 12/02/2021
Title: OPS Assistant Research Scientist

Classification: Full time Positions
Agency/Organization: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Section/Subsection: Wildlife Research/Terrestrial Mammal Research

Applicants should submit a CV (or resume) and a cover letter along with their application materials.

Start Date: 03 December 2021 (negotiable)
End Date: Position is fully funded by grant for 1 year with possible extension depending on funding
Hourly Rate: $22 - 25 per hour, depending on experience

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Employee's primary responsibility will be to assist in the organization, analysis and write-up of data collected for several current projects aimed at assessing habitat use by Florida bonneted bats and other bat species in South Florida. This research aims to assess the effects of hydrological restoration, characterize roost and foraging habitat preferences, track movement patterns, and refine methods used to study Florida bonneted bats. The results of these studies will directly inform management and conservation strategies for this rare and federally endangered species. Position will work on data collected from several protected areas in south Florida including: Picayune Strand State Forest, Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Avon Park Air Force Range. Data collection for these projects entail: acoustic surveys, capture of bats with mist nets, attachment of radio-transmitters via collars, roost location via ground and aerial radio-telemetry, emergence counts and vegetation surveys.

Employee will work cooperatively with supervisor to develop research goals and will work both independently and with supervisor or colleagues to analyze data. Employee will assist with data collection in the field and will supervise field data collection as needed. Employee will ensure that all data collected or analyzed are organized clearly and stored appropriately for future analysis or review. Employee will collaborate with supervisor and colleagues to prepare manuscripts describing research results and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

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 and three years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences with demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis and scientific publications; 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 with demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis and scientific publications; or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences with demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis and scientific publications.
Valid driver license.
**Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's or PhD.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of wildlife ecology principles and techniques, mammalian population biology and conservation, and techniques for capturing or monitoring of wild mammals.
2. Experience handling bats and conducting research activities on bat populations and bat behavior
3. Skills in the safe and proper use of scientific and field equipment, including 4-wheel-drive and off-road vehicles; Must possess valid driver's license
4. Ability to work with FWC staff and other agencies, biologists, managers and private citizens
5. Ability to work independently in extreme field conditions and isolated locations
6. Ability to work a variable schedule to complete tasks and responsibilities as required
7. Ability to keep multiple administrative files and biological datasets organized
8. Working knowledge and experience with MS Excel or other data management software, and statistical and mapping programs, such as R and GIS
9. Ability to write and speak clearly and properly when communicating with fellow employees or the public
10. Ability to supervise other biologists or technicians and coordinate their field or lab activities
11. Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative biological data using current and appropriate scientific standards
12. Ability to conduct scientific investigations and summarize research results clearly and effectively as demonstrated by prior authorship of papers published in peer-reviewed technical journals
13. Ability to present research results to colleagues and the public as demonstrated by past presentations at technical conferences and public meetings

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) 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 for details.)
* 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

Where To Apply
Applicants are required to apply through People First by the closing date listed. Include resume, cover letter and contact information for three references. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time of application online.
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