Biological Scientist I​/II

Overview

Classification

Title:

Biological Scientist I/II

Classification

Minimum Requirements:

• Biological Scientist I - Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.
• Biological Scientist II - Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Biological Scientist I:

This position will contribute to the goals of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (NCAP) and adjacent Aquatic Preserves. Specifically, this position will:

• Conduct natural resource monitoring such as monthly water quality and annual seagrass sampling programs for NCAP. Field tasks include operating outboard vessels and airboats, trailering vessels, and driving to field stations. Lab tasks include following established SOPs for preparing sampling equipment, calibrating probes, maintaining equipment, stocking supplies, and assisting with continuous data logger maintenance and sampling. Must follow field and lab procedures in accordance with SOPs.
  
  Will be required to drive to research sites.
• Prepare documentation and reporting tasks for supervisor review, including entering data, QA/QC, and preparation of monthly field logs, quarterly reports, and data summaries.
• Participate in additional tasks related to the NCAP management plan such as stakeholder education and communication, marine debris cleanups, grant-funded field programs (e.g., seagrass RESTORE collections and SCAR MAPS sampling), and similar events.

Biological Scientist II:

This position will use their expertise to contribute to the goals of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (NCAP) and adjacent Aquatic Preserves. Specifically, this position will:

• Conduct research on natural resource monitoring such as monthly water quality and annual seagrass monitoring programs. Field tasks include operating outboard vessels and airboats, trailering vessels, and driving to field stations. Lab tasks include preparing sampling equipment, calibrating probes, maintaining equipment, keeping supplies stocked, and conducting spectrophotometric analyses. Ensure staff and students follow field and lab procedures per SOPs. Search scientific literature to refine procedures for research objectives.
  
  Modify existing or create new field and lab procedures to meet contract deliverables. Will be required to drive to research sites.
• Prepare documentation and reporting tasks such as entering data and QA/QC plans. Participate in monthly field logs, quarterly reports, and data summaries.
• Participate in additional tasks related to the NCAP management plan such as stakeholder education and communication, marine debris cleanups, grant-funded field programs (e.g., seagrass RESTORE collections and SCAR MAPS sampling), and similar events.

Expected Salary:

• Biological Scientist I: $22.03 per hour; this position is Non-Exempt. Commensurate with education and experience.
• Biological Scientist II:
  This position is exempt. Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Biological Scientist I - Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field.
• Biological Scientist II - Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Preferred:

Biological Scientist I:

• Experience operating airboats
• Snorkeling/SCUBA diving experience
• Two years of research experience in marine and estuarine ecosystems
• Knowledge of scientific methods including experimental design, data collection, and statistical and/or spatial analyses, especially for applied management applications
• Experience in both field and laboratory-oriented procedures, especially those relevant to water quality and benthic habitat sampling in shallow water (e.g., outboard motor and airboat operation, instrument calibration, seagrass transect and quadrat experience)
• High-level communication skills, both oral and written

Biological Scientist II:

• Experience operating airboats
• Snorkeling/SCUBA diving experience
• Two years of research experience in marine and estuarine ecosystems
• Knowledge of scientific methods including…