Conservation Group’s Freshwater Mussel Research Program.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform job duties are: Knowledge of field methods used to sample freshwater mussels and other freshwater invertebrates. Knowledge of current issues and literature in aquatic invertebrate ecology.
Ability to identify freshwater mussels to species level and curate collections. Strong ability to swim in outdoor settings. Ability to skin dive using mask, snorkel, and weight belt. Ability or desire to obtain AAUS SCUBA diving certification. Ability to work long hours in sometimes unpleasant field conditions that may include rain, high winds, rough water, heat, cold, low visibility,
biting insects, snakes, and alligators. Ability to frequently conduct overnight travel for up to four consecutive nights, sometimes for successive weeks.
Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers in a team environment. Ability to work independently. Ability to record data accurately. Knowledge of operation, trailering, and basic maintenance of boats. Ability to operate electronic instruments, including YSI multiparameter meters, flow meters, and GPS units. Ability to operate a computer with Windows operating system. Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point, knowledge of Access is desired but not required. Ability to manage Excel databases and data entry. Working
knowledge of basic R and Arc GIS operations is highly desired but not a requirement.
Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines. Ability to communicate study results effectively in written reports, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and oral presentations. Ability to conduct administrative functions associated with project management, including purchasing and detailed record keeping. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Contribute to the implementation of a long-term monitoring program designed to backss the status of freshwater mussel communities and their habitat in the major river basins of Florida. Sample freshwater mussel communities using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Species level taxonomic identifications of freshwater mussels and other aquatic invertebrates. Maintenance of project vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, sampling gear, and lab equipment. Assist with compiling and maintaining statewide aquatic invertebrate databases. Purchase relevant equipment and supplies strictly following State of Florida purchasing rules and protocols. Remain current with scientific literature and issues pertinent to freshwater invertebrate taxonomy, ecology, and environmental requirements. Assist Research Coordinator with: data analysis using a variety of statistical software; using GIS to produce maps and analyze distribution and habitat data; and production of annual reports, scientific publications, and reviews in a timely manner.
Production of oral presentations and posters for exhibition at state and national conferences, as well as outreach events. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 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.
4 years professional experience in a direct related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree; additional years of experience as described above are also required. This position requires the candidate to successfully pass a level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate prior to hire. PREFERRED CRITERIA: A master's degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university is preferred. 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 To Apply Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form in People First (http: //peoplefirst. ) by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form.
If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at -xyz X. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at -xyz X. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. 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 -xyz X). 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.
