Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/specimen-collections/
Requisition No: 847300
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II – 77901628
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77901628
Salary: $20/hr, depending on experience
Posting Closing Date: 04/01/2025
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The posting is available here: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/847300/
Duties & Responsibilities
Managing biological specimen collections. Processing, identifying, and cataloging specimens and associated assets into the Specimen Information Services (Florida Biodiversity Collection). Responsible for taxonomic identification, phylogenetic arrangement and species description. Responsible for proper maintenance of the collection and collection facilities and the requisition and storage of all necessary supplies. Maintains a complete inventory of collection, field, visitor, volunteer and loan data on computer database system(s). Responsible for loan processing and record keeping. Handles requests for information, retrieving materials in response to research requests, packaging and shipping specimen loans, and preparing reports. Assists with photography and other digital capture of specimens as requested.
Works under the direction of the Curator. Recruits, trains, oversees and directs the activities of assigned volunteers, interns, and OPS staff. Monitors use of the collection. Identifies and contacts potential donors and grant programs, conferring with Curator on funding opportunities. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within and across Specimen Information Services, all FWRI Sections, FWC Divisions, and stakeholders public and private. Stays current on collections’ safety procedures. Performs daily walk through of collection to check for security and maintenance issues including insect/pest presence, environmental concerns such as water leaks, and collection maintenance. Communicates findings with Curator and performs follow through if necessary work is to be performed.
Works with the educational and scientific communities regarding requests for information and specimen loans and donations. Develops keys and data sheets for use by institute personnel and actively encourages vouchering of research specimens and the use of the collection by scientists, educators and the public. Assists researchers with proper specimen fixation and preservation as requested. Helps greet visitors to the collection and direct their inquiries to the appropriate area. Assists with or gives tours of the collection as requested and appropriate. Develops, promotes, and participates in public outreach activities, including large annual events (e.g. MarineQuest) and smaller talks, presentations, and demonstrations. Prepares for special events such as public presentations, exhibit development and the production of educational materials and programs. Organizes, leads and participates in fieldwork to collect specimens and data for scientific, research and educational purposes. Assists other staff as requested and approved by supervisor. May serve on various committees as required and assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.
Candidates with the following qualifications will be preferred: Familiar with genetic and molecular laboratory methods and their statistical analysis; collection database software; and identification of marine species. Interest and experience in photography, science communication, invertebrate taxonomy, and museum work. Past or present graduate coursework.
Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:
Knowledge of: the ecology and systematics of Florida’s marine animals; personal computers and programs for word processing and data storage retrieval, analysis, and visualization; standard curatorial procedures for the accessioning, cataloging and maintenance of biological specimens, and design of educational materials and exhibits.
Ability to: write technical reports and grant applications; and communicate effectively in writing and speech, including answering questions and communicating scientific concepts verbally in person and digitally, in both formal and informal settings, and to diverse audiences (e.g. children and the public); supervise people and establish and maintain amicable, professional relationships; formulate policies and procedures relating to the Collections; learn and apply procedures relating to safety, hazardous waste material, and collection and collection facilities maintenance; collect data and utilize problem solving techniques; lift 50 pounds on a consistent basis; frequently lift and carry small loads overhead and up and down ladders; gently hold and manipulate small, delicate specimens.
Skill in: using microscopes and other equipment customary for field and laboratory biological collections work.
Minimum Requirements:
- 5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program; OR
- 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.
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.
Location:
ST PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33701
Nearest Major Market: Tampa