The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal
Research Group is looking for one biological scientist to work in the Manatee
Behavioral Ecology Program in St. Petersburg, FL.
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Marine Mammal Research Program
100 Eighth Ave SE
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Biological Scientist II - OPS Position 77907196
$20 per hour
Closing Date: 12/27/2024
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:
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:
Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
experience with operating and trailering watercraft , experience with wildlife
tracking using radio-telemetry.
Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1
background check at no cost to the candidate.
Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida
Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing
date listed. Go to: https://jobs.myflorida.com (enter 77907196 in the keyword
search field). Applicants must also upload a cover letter, resume, and contact
information (including email and phone) for three references with their People
First application by the closing date, but these do not replace the requirement
for a completed State of Florida application form. Applicants are required to
complete the additional application questions (answers of 'see resume' are not
sufficient). If you experience technical difficulties during the application
process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The person in this position will collaborate with FWRI scientists to conduct
field research and collect data on manatee behavior, ecology, habitat,
distribution, and threats. The successful candidate will be responsible for
assisting with tagging manatees through capture and in-water replacement of
tags, independently tracking tagged manatees with radio-telemetry and sonic
equipment by boat and from shore, and recording behavioral observations and
environmental data. Additional field responsibilities include conducting
aerial surveys, photo-identification, genetic biopsy sampling, temperature
monitoring, habitat assessments, and other field work as assigned. Office and
lab responsibilities include entering, editing, and verifying data; monitoring
manatee movement behavior using satellite-linked telemetry; maintaining project
databases, equipment inventories, and records; creating and updating written
procedures; providing summary information and data to managers as needed;
purchasing and constructing tagging and other project-related gear; and
assisting with maintenance of field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel.
Travel may be state-wide.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems
Knowledge of principles and techniques of scientific research
Knowledge of methods of biological data collection
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
and Adobe Acrobat
Skilled in wildlife tracking using radio-telemetry
Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.),
able to complete a small boat safety course within the probationary period
Skilled in the aerial survey of wildlife
Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including
digital SLR cameras
Skilled in problem-solving, especially in field situations
Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field
environment
Ability to perform detail-oriented work in an organized manner
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain
effective working relationships
Ability to swim with sufficient skill to perform in-water research
Abili
