September 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

FWC Seasonal Marine Mammal Biologist Position
by Howell, Amber 30 Sep '25

30 Sep '25

Please see below for information regarding a seasonal job posting at the FWC Southeast Field Lab in Tequesta, FL Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Research-Marine Mammal Section Seasonal OPS Biological Scientist I $20 per hour Posting closes October 15, 2025 https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TEQUESTA-OPS-Bio-Scientist-I-FWC-77902141-FL… Position Overview and Responsibilities: This is a seasonal position and is funded for six months from date of hire (no medical/supplemental benefits are applicable to this positions). Duties include but are not limited to fielding FWC hotline calls from the public, Law Enforcement, or other agencies regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees. Verification of distressed manatees potentially in need of rescue. Responding to and recovering manatee carcasses for the Southeast Field Lab (SEFL). Serve as a member of FWC's manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatees, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. Occasional transportation of manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg. Responsible for carcass disposal and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Assist in manatee rescue and transport operations to the appropriate rehabilitation facility. Participate in manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. Assist with other research projects (temperature probes, photo ID, etc.) as needed. Operate a computer and software such as Excel, Access, and word. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of: marine mammal strandings; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses. Skills: use of databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and ArcGIS; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as PIT tags and biopsy equipment. Familiarity with capture, handling, and transport of marine mammals. Abilities to: perform daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects. Must be physically fit and perform strenuous duties and lift at least 50 lbs. Be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself in an emergency. Write scientific reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Safely operate vehicles. Speak effectively to the public. Ability to work individually and as part of a team. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's License. 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. To view this posting and apply: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TEQUESTA-OPS-Bio-Scientist-I-FWC-77902141-FL… Amber Howell Assistant Research Scientist-Marine Mammals Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 19100 SE Federal Hwy., Tequesta FL 33469 561-398-5914 24 hour FWC hotline: 888-404-3922 [cid:image001.png@01DC3209.E0584D10]

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FWC Marine Mammal Biological Scientist II Job Opening
by Howell, Amber 30 Sep '25

30 Sep '25

Please see below for information regarding a job posting at the FWC Southeast Field Lab in Tequesta, FL Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Research-Marine Mammal Section Biological Scientist II- Career Service Position with Benefits Salary: $41,000 Posting closes October 19, 2025 FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77073226 Job Details | State of Florida<https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TEQUESTA-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTIST-…> Position Overview and Responsibilities: Leads or assists in coordinating timely responses to marine mammal carcass reports for the Southeast Field Lab (SEFL) stranding coverage region covering St Lucie County to Monroe County and inland Okeechobee County. Responses include but are not limited to carcass verifications, tows, recoveries, and transports to designated workup and/or disposal sites including the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL. Leads or assists in conducting consistent, high-quality necropsies on marine mammals to determine cause of death and collects samples and data per protocols in a manner consistent with safe practices (handling sharp instruments, appropriate PPE and appropriate biohazardous waste practices). Records data and related information in necropsy reports and on data sheets per established protocols. Responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Leads or assists with safe and efficient manatee rescue operations in the SEFL region including open water captures using a manatee capture boat. Leads live manatee transports to and from manatee critical care and secondary holding facilities. Leads or assists with other live or dead marine mammal stranding responses, rescues, and transports. Assists other FWC manatee laboratories with rescue and transport support as needed. Assists with other marine mammal section priority research projects including but not limited to photo ID, genetics sampling, temperature probes, and aerial surveys. Serves in regional on-call status between 8am and 5pm on holidays in rotation with other SEFL staff members and on occasional weekend days as needed for the purpose of responding to manatee emergencies. Serves in statewide on-call status between 5pm and 8 am Friday evening through Friday morning in a weekly rotation with other FWRI-Marine Mammal Section field staff. Responds to manatee strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Responsible for SEFL vehicle, vessel, and trailer maintenance on weekly and monthly schedule as well as addressing issues as they arise in addition to managing and upkeeping manuals. This position will also train new staff and volunteers on maintenance, trailering, and boat operations, and supervise one seasonal staff member, including recruitment and scheduling. Maintains state purchasing credit card. Responsible for monitoring, purchasing, and restocking laboratory and field consumables at the SEFL. Responsible for purchases as assigned by SEFL supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Participates in public outreach events as appropriate Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; live and dead marine mammal stranding response techniques. Skills: use of database, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as portable ultrasound, PIT tags, and biopsy equipment. Abilities to: prepare written necropsy and rescue reports; utilize problem-solving techniques; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, polices and procedure; write high quality manatee necropsy reports; lead or assist with marine mammal necropsies; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, internal and external partners, and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 26', including manatee capture boat; effectively and safely lead or assist live and dead marine mammal stranding teams and responses; organize and coordinate work assignments for direct report and work in on-call status on a rotational basis. Minimum Qualifications: 5 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 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. To view this posting and apply: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77073226 Job Details | State of Florida<https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TEQUESTA-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTIST-…> Amber Howell Assistant Research Scientist-Marine Mammals Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 19100 SE Federal Hwy., Tequesta FL 33469 561-398-5914 24 hour FWC hotline: 888-404-3922 [cid:image001.png@01DC31FA.054EAF20]

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ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM certification session (French speaking) 01-05 December 2025
by EcoOcéan Institut 30 Sep '25

30 Sep '25

Title: Certification session for ACCOBAMS Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) Operators, *For French speaking & already trained Observers* EcoOcéan Institut (EOI) is an NGO for Marine Mammals Research and Expertise and is an agreed trainer under the ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and contiguous Atlantic area).EOI will be running an ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM course to qualify individuals as ACCOBAMS certified Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (https://accobams.org/main-activites/mmo-certificate-school/ <https://accobams.org/main-activites/mmo-certificate-school/>). Only already trained Observers who speak French are targeted for this training. */When: /*/01 - 05 December 2025/ */Where: /*/Montpellier, France/*//* */Price /*/for this specific session (theoretical MMO + practical initiation at PAM): 750 euros (accommodation, trips and meals are not covered)/ */Language: the training will be in French/* The Qualification/Certification: The ACCOBAMS certification enables people to work as Marine Mammals Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators across the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. Following completion of the course, participants are equipped to mitigate noise impacts on cetaceans, by applying the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the course, and to use the standard procedures, forms and manuals, in accordance with the ACCOBAMS guidelines. Speakers and Presenters: Dr Léa David and Nathalie Di-Méglio senior scientists at EcoOcéan Institut and the international MMO/PAM operator Paul Batard-Tanguy. *Requirements: * ·Graduated/current student in biology or ecology and or people having experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation, or people already MMO from other certification. ·*Minimum 30 days working with marine mammals at sea (with references)* ·Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea ·Ability to communicate in English ·Laptop + headphone *Send an email to postulate with CV and references of work at sea before 26th of November 2025 at :* *contact(a)ecoocean-institut.org* <mailto:contact@ecoocean-institut.org>** ** Topics Covered in the ACCOBAMS Course: ·Introduction to underwater acoustics ·Introduction to marine mammals of the Mediterranean and Black Seas (identification, distribution, ecology). ·Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise ·Introduction to impacts on marine mammals and other marine life ·Introduction to existing regulations (national to international), mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines ·Introduction to the role of MMO ·Introduction to the role of PAM ·Introduction to the “life style” onboard

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New Publication: Assessing fishery interaction on cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 1986 and 2023
by Guido Pietroluongo 30 Sep '25

30 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in PLoS One: "*Assessing fishery interaction on cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 1986 and 2023*". *The article is fully open access and available here:* https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0330441 **Abstract**Monitoring stranded cetaceans represents a strategic method to assess their health, conservation status, and ecological role in the marine ecosystem. Efficient stranding networks and standardized protocols are essential to monitor this phenomenon and investigate its causes. This study assesses the evidence of fishery interaction on stranded cetacean carcasses found along the Italian coastline from 1986 to 2023. Evidence assessment and *post-mortem *investigation methods evolved over three macro-periods, from non-standardized reporting (1986–2014) to an integrated national stranding network (2015–2019), and finally to the creation of a new standardized, evidence-based diagnostic framework under the EU-funded LIFE DELFI project (LIFE18 NAT/IT/000942) (2020–2023). A total of 5355 cases were selected for this analysis. A literature review and evidence of interaction on stranded carcasses supported the categorization of findings, ranging from case history to pathological observations, allowing the assessment of temporal variation, demographic parameters, geographical distribution, and fishing gear identification. Evidence of fishery interaction was found in 12.89% of the cases (690/5355), with an annual average of 18.15 affected animals, and fishery interaction was identified as the likely cause of death in 10.32% of the cases. The most frequently reported species were *Stenella coeruleoalba* and *Tursiops truncatus*, showing significant differences in fishery interactions, particularly in relation to sex, age class, and geographical distribution. Adult male *Tursiops truncatus* exhibited a higher susceptibility to gillnet interaction in the Adriatic Sea. The results of this study emphasize the importance of standardized *post-mortem* investigations and long-term monitoring to identify risk hotspots, implement species- and region-specific mitigation strategies, and establish threshold values for cetacean conservation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Many thanks Guido Dr. Guido Pietroluongo DVM, MSc, PhD Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova Cetacean strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT) Mediterranean Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (BTMMM) *Please consider the environment before printing this email*

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New paper: Linking physiology to conservation: oxygen and metabolic limits in Ziphius
by Andreas Fahlman 29 Sep '25

29 Sep '25

Dear All We are pleased to share our new open-access publication, where we use high-resolution dive data from beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) to model blood and tissue O₂ and CO₂ dynamics. Beyond advancing our understanding of diving physiology, this work provides a mechanistic link between individual metabolic limits and broader conservation frameworks such as Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD). Our results show that Ziphius often exceed their calculated aerobic limits and rely on anaerobic metabolism, meaning that even subtle disturbances, such as sonar exposure or altered recovery patterns, can push animals beyond physiological thresholds, with potential fitness costs that accumulate at the population level. By integrating physiology with behavioral and ecological models, this approach offers a more powerful tool for predicting the impacts of disturbance and cumulative stressors on deep-diving cetaceans. The abstract and a link to the article are provided below. If you experience any difficulty accessing the paper, please do not hesitate to contact me at afahlman(a)whoi.edu. Title: Modelling the effect of varying metabolic rate and cardiac output on estimated tissue and bloodO2 and CO2 levels in an extreme deep-diver, the goose-beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) Authors: Andreas Fahlman, A. Schorr, G.S., Sweeney, D.A., Rone, B.K., Coates, S.N., Allen, A.S., Martín López, L.M., Jarvis, S.M., Falcone, E.A. Journal: Experimental Physiology doi: http://doi.org/10.1113/EP093021 Abstract: High-resolution movement data from Cuvier’s beaked, or goose-beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris, hereafter Ziphius, n = 8) tag deployments (4.1–19.2 days) were used to estimate blood and tissue O2 and CO2 levels. Acceleration and magnetometry data were used to estimate the locomotion cost (LC) from the relationship between activity and the O2 consumption rate. We estimated that the diving metabolic rate (DMR) decreased with increasing dive duration, ranging from 6.18 mL O2 min−1 kg−1 for very short dives (<1.0 min) to 1.65 mL O2 min−1 kg−1 and 2.06 mL O2 min−1 kg−1 for intermediate (>17.5 and ≤33.3 min) and long dives (>33.3min), respectively. The calculated aerobic dive limit (cADL), average behavioural ADL (bADL) and dynamic ADL (dADL) were 62.4, 61.3 (44.3–75.4) and 41.7 (2.0–102.5) min, respectively. Despite the physiological and metabolic adjustments assumed by the model, the muscle O2 ran out for many of the stereotypical long, deep dives exhibited by these animals. Based on the model results, we speculate that a large portion of the foraging dives in Ziphius are fuelled by alternative metabolic pathways, for example, phosphocreatine or glycolysis. A reliance on these alternative metabolic pathways during foraging may require long recovery periods, including primarily aerobic dives. Disturbing this normal dive pattern may disrupt this normal dive pattern, leading to behavioural and physiological changes that could cause trauma.

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Literature review on “Transferable Stressors in Small Cetaceans: Historical Status, Current Trends and Future Directions”
by Andrea FB 29 Sep '25

29 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all coauthors and myself, I am very pleased to share our recently published literature review: *“Transferable Stressors in Small Cetaceans: Historical Status, Current Trends and Future Directions”.* *Abstract* Cetaceans face a wide range of natural and anthropogenic pressures that can impact population viability. Assessments of cetacean populations often consider single non-transferable stressors with direct effects on survival, such as fisheries bycatch, but more rarely account for stressors transmitted between animals via the food web, through close physical contact, or from mother to calf. Transferable stressors can affect population dynamics through sub-lethal or lethal effects on individuals. This literature review addresses transferable stressors in small cetaceans, including their transfer routes, prevalence and effects on individuals and populations, as well as the cumulative effects of multiple stressors. We focus particularly on common small cetaceans (harbour porpoises and common, bottlenose, and striped dolphins) in European waters. These stressors include harmful algal blooms, viruses (e.g. Morbillivirus), bacteria (e.g. *Brucella*), parasites (e.g. *Anisakis* and lungworms), organic and inorganic contaminants, and microplastics. Patterns and trends in prevalence are compared across species, areas and stressors, with implications for conservation and identified knowledge gaps. Further research is needed on dose–response relationships and mechanisms of stressor interactions. While recent methods have improved our understanding of the impacts of transferable stressors, integration into population assessments and management plans remains a challenge. *Citation (Open Access)* Fariñas-Bermejo, A., Gutiérrez-Muñoz, P., López Aguilar, M., Hernandez-Gonzalez, A., Ivaylova, S., Petitguyot, M.A., Puig-Lozano, R., Fernández Fernández, D., Saavedra, C., López Fernández, A. and Pierce, G.J. (2025). Transferable Stressors in Small Cetaceans: Historical Status, Current Trends and Future Directions. *Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review*, 63, 229–342. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003589600-7 We hope this review will be of interest, and you enjoy reading. We warmly welcome any questions or comments. Best wishes, Andrea Fariñas-Bermejo Contact email: afarinas(a)iim.csic.es PhD student Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Vigo, Spain https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Farinas-Bermejo?ev=hdr_xprf

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New Publication: Bottlenose Dolphin Burst Pulse
by Christianna DeWind 28 Sep '25

28 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors and I, we are excited to share our recent publication titled “Exploring Burst Pulses as Indicators of Positive Affect in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) During Match-to-Sample Trials”, published in the International Journal of Comparative Psychology. Royse, C.D., Miller, E.C., Johnson, C.M., & Harris, C.R. (2025). Exploring Burst Pulses as Indicators of Positive Affect in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) During Match-to-Sample Trials. The International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 38.https://doi.org/10.46867/ijcp.42260 Abstract: The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) vocalizations called “burst pulses” exhibit distinct acoustic properties and can potentially be linked to affective states. This study aimed to determine if dolphins produce burst pulses during match-to-sample with both successful and unsuccessful outcomes and to explore any association with positive affect. We observed that burst pulses occurred in 74% of match-to-sample trials (in which the subject views a sample object and selects the match from a group of alternative objects), with a significantly higher frequency during correct responses. Additionally, there was a notable difference in the proportion of burst pulses occurring before versus after the trainer’s bridge, with more burst pulses occurring before the trainer’s bridge. The timing and characteristics of these burst pulses suggest they may be related to the dolphins’ interest and excitement rather than merely a response to reinforcement. These findings provide new insights into the complexity of dolphin vocalizations and their potential connection to affective states. You can find the full publication (open access) here: https://doi.org/10.46867/ijcp.42260. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions (cdewind(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:cdewind@ucsd.edu>). All the best, Christianna D. Royse Ph.D. Student | Experimental Psychology Harris Lab + Dolphin Cognition Lab University of California, San Diego

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New Publication - Review of killer whale operational interactions with commercial fisheries
by Emma Luck 26 Sep '25

26 Sep '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new review paper in Frontiers in Marine Science titled "A global review of operational fishery interactions with killer whales (Orcinus orca): dynamics, impacts, and management strategies." ABSTRACT: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are cosmopolitan, apex predators that sometimes interact with commercial fisheries. These fishery interactions can affect killer whales, sometimes harmfully, and cause negative socioeconomic consequences for the fishing industry. This review examines global trends in commercial fishery interactions with killer whales by analyzing 69 articles published between 1963 and 2024. These articles noted interactions between killer whales and fisheries in all oceans, but especially at high latitudes. Most documented interactions involved the depredation of longlines. Killer whales have been observed depredating a minimum of 30 species, mainly large fish such as tunas (Thunnus spp.). Bycatch, injuries, fishers’ retaliatory measures, and artificial provisioning impacted killer whales that interacted with fisheries. Various mitigation measures have been tested with mixed success. This review outlines policy options to address interactions between killer whales and fisheries and identifies existing knowledge gaps. Luck, E., Myers, H., and Criddle, K. (2025). A global review of operational fishery interactions with killer whales (Orcinus orca): dynamics, impacts, and management strategies. Front. Mar. Sci. 12. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1629516 The full article is open-access and can be read at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Emma Luck -------------- Emma Luck, MMP (she/her) *Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow* *Alaska Mariculture Alliance* Email: ekluck(a)alaska.edu

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Awareness of a new detection of Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV) in the western Mediterranean Sea
by Mariano Domingo Alvarez 26 Sep '25

26 Sep '25

Dear all, The 5th of September of 2025 a female striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba (id N-367-25), with a length of 172 cm, and weight of 48 Kg was found dead stranded in Sitges (Barcelona Province). The dolphin was necropsied at the Department of Pathology of the Veterinary School of Barcelona. Tissue samples from lung, respiratory lymph node, and brain were teste for CeMV by q-RT-PCR, with positive results (Ct 26,3, Ct 27,9, and Ct 24,4, respectively). A swab from the 4th cerebral ventricle yielded also a positive result for Brucella q-PCR (Ct 26,4). The dolphin was autolysed (M4), and histopathology and CeMV-IHC were not helpful for confirming CeMV systemic disease. A meningitis was barely discernible (consistent with the qPCR result for Brucella, and indicative of Neurobrucellosis). The 13th of September of 2025, another striped dolphin (id N-374-25), female, length 162 cm, weight 33 Kg, was found alive in Colera (Girona province), showing dyspnoea and swimming in circles. The dolphin stranded and was euthanised due to poor prognosis. Results of q-RT-PCR for CeMV were positive (lung Ct: 18,2, Lymph node: Ct 24,8, CNS: Ct 35). The qPCR for Brucella was negative. Characteristic lesions of CeMV were found in lung and lymph nodes (interstitial pneumonia, with syncytial cells, and lymphoid depletion). Brain tissue must be examined yet (it needs prolonged fixation). IHC for CeMV showed specific staining in lung and lymph nodes, in the cell types expected for CeMV. Therefore, CeMV systemic disease has been confirmed, by histopathology, IHC, and q-RT-PCR. The last case of systemic CeMV disease was detected in the Catalonian coast (western Mediterranean) in 2017. Re-emerging of CeMV in the western Mediterranean Sea usually occurs by entrance of new strains through the Gibraltar Strait, and, predictable, it will move slowly to French and Italian Mediterranean waters, as well as to other coastal Mediterranean countries. This is the 3rd circulation wave of CeMV detected in our coasts (1990, 2006-2007, 2016-17, and the actual one). Molecular studies have been initiated to characterize this CeMV strain. Best regard [Logotipo Descripción generada automáticamente con confianza baja]<https://www.uab.cat/> Mariano Domingo Alvarez Dept. de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals Facultat de Veterinària, Campus de la UAB · 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) · Barcelona · Catalunya +34 93 5813144 · +34 626164714 www.uab.cat<https://www.uab.cat> Aquest missatge no s’ha de respondre fora de la jornada laboral, en compliment de l’article 88 de la Llei orgànica 3/2018 de protecció de dades personals i garantia dels drets digitals<https://www.boe.es/boe_catalan/dias/2018/12/06/pdfs/BOE-A-2018-16673-C.pdf>, que reconeix el dret a la desconnexió digital, i de la Normativa interna per preservar el dret a la desconnexió digital del personal de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona<https://www.uab.cat/doc/NormativaDesconnexioDigital>. --

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job posting
by Faucett, Blake 26 Sep '25

26 Sep '25

Marine Mammal Section Biological Scientist I - OPS 77903019 Melbourne Beach, Florida - $20 per hour 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 the following qualifications: Marine mammal stranding-response experience is preferred. Experience assisting with conducting high quality marine mammal necropsies and collecting the necessary samples and data to determine cause of strand/death. Experience with necropsy report writing and editing. The ability to safely operate and trailer boats less than 30 feet in length is also highly desired. Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework. Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment. Position Overview and Responsibilities: This is a seasonal position and is funded for six months fromm date of hire (no medical/supplemental benefits are applicable to this positions. Duties include but are not limited to fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees. Verification of mortalities and distressed manatees potentially in need of rescue. Recovery of manatee carcasses for the East Central Field Lab (ECFL). Serve as member of FWC's manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatees, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. Occasional transportation of manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg. Responsible for carcass disposal and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Assist in manatee rescue and transport operations to the appropriate rehabilitation facility. Participate in manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. Assist with other research projects (temperature probes, photo ID, etc.) as needed. Operate a computer and software such as Excel, Access, and word. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses. Skills: use of databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and ArcGIS; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as PIT tags and biopsy equipment. Familiarity with capture, handling, and transport of marine mammals. Abilities to: perform daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects. Perform strenuous duties and lift at least 50 lbs. Be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself in an emergency. Write scientific reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Safely operate vehicles. Speak effectively to the public. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's License. Ability to work individually and as part of a team. 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. Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly 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/. 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. Location: MELBOURNE BEACH, FL, US, 32951

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