FTE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Working Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II Position #: 77073234 Section: Wildlife Research Subsection: Marine Mammals Location: St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Salary: $35,745.84 Closing Date: October 20, 2022 Job Description: This position provides technical support for the manatee photo-identification project. The successful candidate will be responsible for matching images to known manatees; facilitating matching manatees between partner organizations and regions of the state; entering, editing, and verifying data; developing and maintaining project databases; sketching manatee scar patterns from images; labeling, sorting, and tagging (categorizing) images; creating and updating written procedures; managing, organizing, and archiving slide, print, and digital manatee photo-identification records and associated datasheets; providing summary information and data to managers as needed; and assisting with the implementation of an integrated multi-agency Manatee Individual Photo-identification (MIPS) database. Additional responsibilities include independently collecting manatee-related photographic, spatial, environmental, genetic, and behavioral data from shore, in-water, and from watercraft; assisting with field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel, purchasing, organization, and maintenance; training others in field and lab-based manatee photo-identification procedures; and other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. This position is primarily lab-based but does include field work. 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 * Experience in photo-identification techniques (data collection and management of photo-identification data) * Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, scanning software, and image management software * Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.) * Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including digital SLR cameras * Skilled in problem-solving and visual spatial reasoning * 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 effectively train and supervise others * 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://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77073234 in the keyword search field) or https://career4.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=742422&com.... Applicants should 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. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems. * Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly * No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance * Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year * 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrual each biweekly For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/. 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.