Position Title: Manatee Photographic Identification Technician Position Location: Sarasota, Florida Application Deadline: June 29 or until position is filled The Manatee Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory (www.mote.org), Florida, has openings for one full-time and one half-time (20 hours per week) photographic identification technicians for one year starting August 2007. The full-time position includes complete benefits. Mote Marine Laboratorys manatee photo-identification project collaborates with partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the U.S. Geological Surveys Sirenia Project in the management of a statewide scar catalog of individual manatees, the Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System (MIPS). Responsibilities will include: 1. Laboratory: The photographic identification technicians will be primarily responsible for assisting with the processing of photographic images (i.e. labeling, sorting, and matching) and updating, entering, and verifying sighting and image data. These positions require that work be performed competently, accurately, and efficiently and the technician must have good problem recognition/resolution skills. The technician will also be responsible for various tasks pertaining to report preparation and proofreading. A limited amount of assistance with other funded contract work related to manatee ecology and habitat may also be involved as needed. 2. Field Work: This person will also conduct periodic photo-identification surveys of wild manatees in southwestern Florida. Field sampling requires proficiency with trailering, launching, and operating small (up to 21 ft) vessels, as well as operating SLR 35 mm digital cameras. Vessel maintenance and familiarity with Florida in-shore waters are advantageous skills. Manatee Photographic Identification Technicians are required to have or obtain USCG or Power Squadron Boating Certification. Fieldwork may require travel and/or nights and weekends. For clarity, the vast majority of the time will be spent in the laboratory assisting with existing photo files. Qualifications: 1. B.S./B.A. Degree (Biology, Zoology, or closely-related field). 2. Valid Florida drivers license. Applicants who do not have a Florida drivers license but who are willing to obtain one will be considered. 3. Vision must be correctable through glasses or contact lenses for observing images on the computer screen and photographic slides, as well as for operating laboratory vessels, vehicles, and cameras. 4. Good/excellent verbal communication skills. The photo-identification project requires multiple staff members to work closely together on the same and/or overlapping datasets, necessitating communication and the ability to work well as a team. 5. Ability to spend long hours working at a computer station and/or light table with a high degree of accuracy. Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations, which may include tropical to temperate climate conditions (hot or cold, high humidity, intense sunlight, rainy weather, etc.). Ability to carry/move moderately heavy objects (30-50 lbs). Ability to swim. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience conducting photo-identification of marine mammals. Candidates must currently be authorized and able to work in the United States through at least June, 2008. These positions may continue for more than one year, if funds remain available. Applications should include a cover letter, resume, names and contact information of three references, and be submitted to: Deanna Chapman Human Resources Manager Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 HumanResources@mote.org Thank you, Ester Quintana-Rizzo, Ph.D. Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236