Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77903035
Position Number: 77903035 Requisition No: 858046 Posting Closing Date: 09/3/2025 EO/AA/ADA/VP Employer 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: $20.00/hr; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Direct link to job posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/858046/ Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated start date is mid-November and anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2026. Our organization: The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. Minimum Qualifications: 4 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 can substitute for the required experience. Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preference may also be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience; practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques; and who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses. Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. In addition to completing the State of Florida Employment Profile online via People First, 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. Cover letters, resumes, and references shall be uploaded to the People First System. When answering the qualifying questions, do not elaborate beyond the scope of the question. Position Overview and Responsibilities: The position is temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. This position is expected to start mid-November (date TBD). The anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2026. Applicants must be willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. The position is based in St. Augustine, FL. FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (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. North Atlantic right whale aerial 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 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Applicant must be able to: thrive in a small team environment and communicate effectively; establish and maintain successful working relationships; apply basic methods of data collection and field research; utilize problem solving techniques and work independently; excel under uncomfortable 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.); safely operate vehicles; and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. Why should I apply? The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: *Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan On the Job Trainings Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.
_______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list [email protected] https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
