Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907310 Position Number: 77907310 Requisition No: 809456 Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2023 North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer (Seasonal) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $18.00/hr; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Direct link to job posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-AUGUSTINE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-7... Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2024. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: FWC's FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with data entry, processing, and archival tasks as well as photo-identification. Observers also provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. Observers assist with vessel surveys and genetic sampling efforts as well as field necropsies of right whales, large whale disentanglement, and documentation of large whale reports from the public as needed. Prior to the start of surveys, applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer with FWC's North Atlantic right whale program. This position is expected to start mid-November (date TBD). Applicants must be willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. Observer positions are temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding. QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university is required. Preference may be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques. Preference may also be given to candidates who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Applicant must be able to: thrive in a small team environment and maintain successful working relationships; apply basic methods of data collection and field research; utilize problem solving techniques and work independently; excel under adverse and mentally-demanding field conditions including a full day of observing while seated in a small aircraft or aboard a small vessel; swim sufficiently to save oneself; carry-out daily manual labor (able to vertically lift at least 50 lbs.); and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. TO APPLY: Applicants are required to apply by completing a State of Florida Employment Profile online in People First by midnight on the closing date stated. Additionally, in order to be considered for this position, applicants must include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three professional references. When answering the application questions, do not elaborate beyond the scope of the question. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a Level 1 Background Check. There is no cost to the candidate for this check. 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 (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * 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 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.