Position Number: 77072682
Annual Salary Range: 41,263.82
Closing Date: 4/29/2016

DESCRIPTION

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s Marine Mammal Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as the lead manatee biologist at the Melbourne Marine Mammal Field Station. The incumbent is responsible for daily operation of marine mammal activities at the Field Station, including staff supervision, coordinating and performing manatee carcass recovery and necropsy, leading manatee rescue and transportation efforts, program management, vehicle and vessel maintenance, report writing, and coordination of Section research objectives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

At least a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Biological or Life Sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or lab research program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory responsibilities include direct supervision of two OPS (hourly) positions.The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor. These duties may include, but are not limited to:

• recovery of manatee carcasses for necropsy and transport to central necropsy facility in St Petersburg
• field necropsies of selected carcasses
• coordinating and performing rescues of injured or sick manatees and transport to accredited facilities
• vehicular, trailer, and vessel operation/maintenance
• service in an On-Call status after operating hours and on some holidays in a weekly rotation with four other staff members for the purpose of responding to state-wide manatee emergencies
• manage a network of water temperature monitoring stations
• coordinate local photo-identification efforts of manatees
• assist with other research projects as assigned
• report writing and data analysis

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• education in and demonstrated knowledge of the biological sciences;
• principles and techniques used in research on marine mammals including methods of data collection;
• ability to collect and analyze data, utilize problem solving techniques;
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
• prepare technical reports;
• maintain effective working relationships including effectively supervising others; establish, plan, organize and coordinate work assignments;
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• use personal computers and database software;
• work under adverse conditions such as recovering, transporting, and necropsying marine mammal carcasses in the harsh Florida environment (e.g., heat, rain, insects);
• ability to swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency;
• ability to lift 50 lbs.
• safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 24′ and maintain a valid driver’s license;
• work hours in excess of 40 per week and serve in on-call status on a rotational basis;
• possess or acquire certification of completion of FWRI’s trailering evaluation and a boater safety course within the probationary period;

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• experience and education in marine mammal biology, ecology, physiology;
• demonstrated working knowledge and experience in marine mammal necropsy and stranding response;
• familiarity with manatee conservation issues;
• experience in conducting aerial surveys of animal populations;
• demonstrated leadership and supervisory abilities;
• ability to multi-task as well as work independently as well as part of a team;
• the ability to travel less than 25% of the time, but potentially for several days at a time, throughout Florida
• the ability to positively and effectively communicate with media, public, stakeholders and co-workers;

TO APPLY

Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com) by the closing date listed. ALSO, please include a letter of interest, current CV or resume, and list of at least three references. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form.

If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.