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.

Division: Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Section: Wildlife Research

Subsection: Marine Mammals

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) with field work statewide

Rate of Pay: $18.00 per hour. Limited benefits, but state group health insurance is available to eligible candidates. Full-time (40 hours/week).

Posting Closing Date: 06/16/2023

NOTICE: Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the employment application.

Job Description:

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.

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.

Knowledge, Skill(s), 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
Ability to maintain a U.S. driver’s license

Application Requirements:

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.

What is OPS Employment?:

Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. OPS employees are not eligible for paid vacation, sick leave or state holidays and are only compensated for hours worked.

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 (This position is eligible for health insurance. The individual must meet eligibility requirements; current employees or someone who has worked for the State of Florida (or state university system) and is rehired within 13 weeks of their separation date, are encouraged to consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details on their eligibility.)
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
No moving expenses provided

Additional Requirements:

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) point-of-view.

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC’s invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Tampa

Apply Now: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/803518/

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Margie Barlas

Assistant Research Scientist

Marine Mammals Subsection

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

100 Eighth Avenue Southeast, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Phone: 727.896.8626 X4747

Direct Line: 727.502.4747

Email: Margie.Barlas@MyFWC.com or Margaret.Barlas@MyFWC.com

To report a tagged, injured, or dead manatee, please call our toll free Wildlife Hotline: 1-888-404-FWCC.

Visit us on the web at https://myfwc.com/research