Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907310
Position Number: 77907310
Requisition No: 809456
Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2023

North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer (Seasonal)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
Section: Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals
Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County)
Rate of Pay: $18.00/hr; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays

Direct link to job posting: 
https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-AUGUSTINE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907310-FL-32080/1065130200/

Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will 
not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. 
Anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2024.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES:
FWC's FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the 
southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data 
collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North 
Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather 
permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Observers collect in-flight 
survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with data entry, 
processing, and archival tasks as well as photo-identification. Observers also 
provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate 
effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as 
well as the general public. Observers assist with vessel surveys and genetic 
sampling efforts as well as field necropsies of right whales, large whale 
disentanglement, and documentation of large whale reports from the public as 
needed.  Prior to the start of surveys, applicants will be required to attend 
and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as 
well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer 
with FWC's North Atlantic right whale program.

This position is expected to start mid-November (date TBD). Applicants must be 
willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. Observer positions 
are temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited 
university is required.

Preference may be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal 
survey experience and practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques.
Preference may also be given to candidates who demonstrate experience in 
database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Applicant must be able to: thrive in a small team environment and maintain 
successful working relationships; apply basic methods of data collection and 
field research; utilize problem solving techniques and work independently; 
excel under adverse and mentally-demanding field conditions including a full 
day of observing while seated in a small aircraft or aboard a small vessel; 
swim sufficiently to save oneself; carry-out daily manual labor (able to 
vertically lift at least 50 lbs.); and understand and correctly utilize 
applicable rules, regulations, and procedures.

TO APPLY:
Applicants are required to apply by completing a State of Florida Employment 
Profile online in People First by midnight on the closing date stated. 
Additionally, in order to be considered for this position, applicants must 
include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant 
qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three 
professional references. When answering the application questions, do not 
elaborate beyond the scope of the question.

If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please 
call People First at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268).

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a Level 1 Background Check. 
There is no cost to the candidate for this check.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

  *   State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
  *   Workers' Compensation - mandatory
  *   Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
  *   Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility 
requirements)
  *   Deferred Compensation - voluntary
  *   Employee Assistance Program - voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

  *   Any form of paid leave
  *   Paid holidays
  *   Participation in the Florida Retirement System
  *   Reinstatement rights or retention rights
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.
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