Biological Scientist

Field Biologist PositionThe incumbent hired for this position will be expected to serve as a field biologist for a large, dynamic Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program at the Apalachicola Bay Field Lab with emphasis on carrying out statistically valid fisheries research surveys in estuarine and offshore waters. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relative stock abundance, occurrence, diversity and condition of Florida's marine and brackish water fish populations. The incumbent will help coordinate and conduct inshore and offshore fisheries-independent sampling efforts throughout the Florida Panhandle and in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Research will be conducted following strict FIM protocols using a variety of sampling methodologies including seines, trawls, side-scan sonar, camera pods, acoustics, longlines, and others.Essential duties include participation as a crew member and/or field lead with preparation of inshore and offshore field sampling, data entry, and all associated data QA/QC; assists with maintaining and repairing sampling gear including boats, motors, trailers, nets, protective gear, office equipment, and laboratory equipment as needed; completes fish and invertebrate identifications in both field and lab settings which includes following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope, dichotomous keys; performs basic routine summaries of fisheries data used in preparing technical and scientific reports; oral presentations and/or manuscripts as assigned; performs and participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate.This position requires extensive travel to conduct both inshore and offshore field work. Travel to conduct offshore research will involve spending numerous consecutive days at sea every quarter, and travel to conduct inshore work will involve consecutive overnight hotel lodging to conduct field work throughout western Florida Panhandle estuaries. Incumbent must be able to perform strenuous physical activities in sometimes arduous weather conditions aboard offshore research vessels and while conducting inshore research sampling for long periods of time which includes heavy lifting.The OPS Biological Scientist II must be able to conduct biological research using scientific methods. They must possess knowledge of principles and techniques used in fisheries research, including methods used for gathering and managing fisheries data. They must have experience using fish sampling equipment (e.g., trawls, seines), computer and related software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), and laboratory equipment (e.g., microscopes). They must be able to identify juvenile and adult fishes and invertebrates collected from Florida's inshore and offshore environments. They must also be able to safely operate, trailer, and maintain vehicles, small boats, and motors. They must be able to review, proof, enter, and manage fisheries data following strict QA/QC protocols using various software packages (e.g., Excel, Access, R Studio, SQL). They must possess the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in professional and public settings and must be able to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public. They must also be able to participate in multidisciplinary fisheries research efforts across all FWRI-FIM field laboratories which may involve overnight travel and/or extended field trips and be able to perform strenuous physical activities under arduous conditions (e.g. inclement weather, rough water, boat engine exhaust, shoreline wading) for long periods of time, including heavy lifting. They must be willing to work more than 40 hours per week as needed to complete fieldwork. They must maintain a valid FL driver's license and complete a boater safety course and first aid/CPR training within three months of hire.Minimum Qualifications: 5 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 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 can substitute for the required experience.Preferred Qualifications: Applicants with the following experience may be given preference: previous work in a fisheries program leading fisheries-independent fieldwork using a variety of sampling gears to survey fish populations in estuarine and/or offshore waters; experience using dichotomous keys and either microscopes or video to identify juvenile and adult fishes found in marine and estuarine environments; experience trailering and operating small vessels up to 24ft in length; experience conducting routine maintenance of vehicles, small vessels, trailers and outboard motors used to conduct fisheries work; experience providing mentorship and training to staff in a fisheries program.Salary: $18 per hourApplication deadline: June 1, 2025