Biological Scientist III - Fish Health Specialist

Job Details

The FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management seeks self-motivated applicants who think innovatively and are passionate about aquaculture and aquatic biology for the benefit of conservation. As a Biological Scientist III (Fish Health Biologist) at the Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC), the successful candidate will work closely with a dedicated team to support fish culture practices to meet division and agency goals. This position will lead fish health activity and assist with planning and implementation of intensive and extensive fish culture activities including culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct sampling and diagnostic evaluations of stocks for disease/parasite detection and control and crop evaluations to achieve production goals.
• Perform routine/scheduled necropsies and conduct health assessment and maintenance on hatchery-reared fish eggs, larvae, juveniles, sub-adults and adult brood stocks produced and maintained at Florida Bass Conservation Center (Richloam Fish Hatchery). Perform diagnostic investigations for parasites and bacteriological culture to identify other pathological conditions affecting cultured fish. Perform and/or supervise administration of all fish health medications, water treatments, and FDA approved prophylactic treatments. Perform fish health screening as specified by protocols specified in internal fish health policy on all cultured fish.
• Develop research protocols and conduct experiments to assess fish disease pathways in production system as a means to improve culture efficiency and survival. Work with federal and state agencies to evaluate efficacy of new/emerging therapeutic drug treatments, anaesthetics and non-chemical treatments.
• Represent agency involvement in statewide freshwater fish health issues and provide coordination and liaison with other state, federal and university aquatic fish health personnel.  Regularly consult with hatchery manager and lead fish culturist on fish health status and needs.  Communicate fish health and biosecurity needs and expectations to hatchery staff. 
• Primary responsibilities may include all aspects of culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish.
• The incumbent will assist with maintenance and sanitation of all fish culture apparatuses and equipment, holding and haul tanks, nets, and other culture equipment.  
• Perform fish culture activities adhering to standard and prescribed prophylactic and sanitation techniques to optimize health and quality of all species of culture fishes.
• Assist with all basic facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance duties. May be required to operate vehicles, utility vehicles, trailers, and basic hand tools. Must be able to learn to trailer sometimes heavy loads over long distances to occasionally remote areas.
• Provide fish health suggestions and support to Blackwater Hatchery, if requested.
• Gather and maintain data to assist supervisor with statistical analysis and report preparation. Responsible for completing/submitting administrative reports and required training within the specified time frame.
• Assist with public outreach events as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• 6 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 two years 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 and one year of professional experience as described above; or
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master of Science degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science, preferably in the fisheries or aquaculture sciences.

Contact Information

To apply please provide a resume and cover letter

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000729 Job Details | State of Florida