OPS Biological Scientist I

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (State)

Posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/BONIFAY-OPS-Biological-Scientist-I-77907211-FL-32425/1268554900/

Application Deadline: 03/17/2025

Published: 03/03/2025

Starting date: TBD

Hours per week: 40

Salary: $20.00/hr

Bonifay, Florida (Bay County).

Minimum Qualifications:
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.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with experience sampling cervids for chronic wasting disease (CWD).
  
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will function as a member of a CWD response/surveillance team in the Florida Panhandle. Responsibilities include providing logistical support for the base of operations; responding to reports of sick/dead deer in the Enhanced Surveillance Zone (ESZ, Washington, Holmes, and Jackson counties); conducting road transects for road-killed deer; collecting and transporting carcasses between field, freezer locations, and base of operations; providing for carcass disposal (incinerator and/or landfill); and collecting CWD samples at check stations some weekends during the hunting season (October through February). The successful applicant will also coordinate with hunt clubs, landowners, taxidermists, and processors to collect CWD samples; enter samples collected and processed in the zone into database; and provide sample shipping according to strict laboratory protocols and following applicable shipping rules and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, animal health/disease concepts; methods of relevant field and laboratory data collection; and general procedures, techniques and equipment used in biological laboratory testing and analysis. Skill in use of personal computers, spreadsheet, and word processing software, particularly Microsoft Office products; basic laboratory skills including organization of laboratory materials and diagnostic specimens; proper handling of chemicals; biosafety; adherence to protocols; data collection; shipping of specimens per state/federal regulations; and excellent time management. Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment (forklift, atv/utv, trailers, tractor). Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; perform detailed work accurately and independently; utilize problem solving techniques; lift up to 75 lbs.; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with others; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain a valid driver’s license; and work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.