Biological Scientist I
State of Florida
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Crystal River • Florida • United States
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Salary
💰 $18 - $20 per hour
About the role
- This is a full-time position with a potential for health benefits that is funded by state and federal funds with the Shellfish Research Group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
- The position will serve as a member of an independent team responsible for carefully following established protocols to conduct field operations for blue crab, stone crab, blue crab, and other shellfish projects in the North Central region.
- Participating in monthly field sampling efforts which involve: construction, maintenance, and deployment of various field sampling gear; following safety protocols while on the boat, and in particular, if participating in SCUBA diving operations; conducting benthic and pelagic sample collection, sorting, dissection, and preservation; maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers.
- Processing laboratory samples which involves: following sampling and quality assurance/quality control protocols; processing live animals and time-sensitive samples in a timely manner; conducting chemical and biochemical analyses including safe handling of a variety of chemicals; handling live and preserved animal specimens as well as dead specimens in varied states of decay.
- Assisting with data entry and proofing; assisting with preparation of summary reports that include descriptive statistics and graphs.
- Administrative duties which include: adhering to purchasing protocols; completing travel documents; submitting timesheets.
- Maintaining a valid drivers license and driving state vehicles, often while trailering research vessels up to 25’ in length, to and from research sites.
- Operating FWC vessels in waters of the state and adjacent federal waters.
- Interacting with multiple project partners on a frequent basis, and maintaining professional working relationships.
Requirements
- Four (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.
- Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: One (1) year professional experience operating, conducting research or working onboard vessels.
- Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
- This position will involve prolonged intensive field work in adverse and physically challenging conditions during all months of the year, including overtime and multi-day efforts.
- General working hours are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week on a schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. However, workdays may periodically reach or exceed 12 hours in duration or require a weekend workday.
- SCUBA diving is a component of oyster field work which would require dive certification from a nationally accredited organization and the ability to obtain AAUS scientific diving certification within 6 months of employment.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Biweekly Health Premiums $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family
- Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
- OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan
- On the Job Trainings
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
field operationsbenthic sample collectionpelagic sample collectionchemical analysesbiochemical analysesdata entrystatistical analysissample processingvehicle maintenancevessel operation
Soft skills
team collaborationprofessional communicationrelationship managementattention to detailproblem-solvingadaptabilitytime managementorganizational skillssafety awarenessindependence
Certifications
bachelor's degree in biological sciencesdive certificationAAUS scientific diving certification