Deadline: Fri, 07/15/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Regional/Multiple Location Detail: flexible, but most work occurs in the southern half of Florida's peninsula Job Description: Requisition No: 649303 Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907188 Position Number: 77907188 Salary: $25.33/hour for up to 1,980 hours per year Posting Closing Date: 07/15/2022 Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: Wildlife Research Lab FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Wildlife Research Section – Avian Job description: This is a rare opportunity to put your scientific training to use as you work in the field and in the office to help the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manage Florida’s waterfowl populations. We seek an OPS Research Scientist to lead and coordinate research on the mottled duck and other waterfowl. The successful candidate will collaborate with agency managers and other researchers to prioritize and implement projects that estimate waterfowl densities, monitor population trends, estimate demographic rates, assess habitat-use and resource selection, and produce other information necessary for the successful management of waterfowl. The candidate will operate unmanned aircraft systems and may take a leadership role in FWC’s UAS operations. The candidate will write grant proposals to fund research, analyze and publish data in peer-reviewed journals, books, and proceedings. 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 to improve the quality of waterfowl habitat and 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. Overnight and weekend travel is sometimes required. Work weeks are 40 hours, with overtime sometimes available. This position is supported by recurring funding and has no anticipated end date. The Wildlife Research Lab is located in Gainesville but the location of this position is flexible, with much of the work occurring in the southern half of Florida. It will start as soon as the position is filled. Qualifications: Required education: A bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences and at least 1 year of professional experience related to avian research. Preferred experience: Applicants having a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in one of the biological sciences or a related field will be given strong preference. Applicants having professional experience in research with waterfowl, strong quantitative and geographic information systems (GIS) skills, and an established publication record may also be given preference. Preference will also be given to applicants with demonstrated proficiency in the operation of UAS systems. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of: Waterfowl and waterfowl habitat with emphases on breeding ecology, wintering ecology, population ecology, and habitat relationships; waterfowl 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 a variety of bird trapping and banding techniques, strong quantitative skills, UAS operations. 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, database, and GIS software packages; review technical literature and prepare scientific reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and popular articles; use laboratory and field equipment including 4WD vehicles, outboard boats, and telemetry equipment; 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; supervise assigned staff, which includes but is not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures; 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. Salary: $25.33/hr for 1980 hrs/yr Benefits: 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. 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. How to Apply: Applicants are required to apply through People First by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time of application online. Please include a CV and a cover letter. Email Andrew Cox (Andrew.Cox at myfwc.com) if you have questions. You can find this job here: https://jobs.myflorida.com/Florida%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife/job/GAINESVILLE-OPS-Assistant-Research-Scientist-77907188-FL-32601/894770000/ If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287.
