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 (FWRI)

Section: Wildlife Research

Subsection: Marine Mammals

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

Salary: $1,374.84 bi-weekly. This is a Career Service position with full benefits.

Posting Closing Date: 11/22/2022

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 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (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 may 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. The person in this position may take on supervision of an OPS staff. 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 radio-telemetry equipment, radio tracking methods, and use of GPS
Knowledge of supervisory practices, principles and procedures
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Acrobat
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 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 77073235 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. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287.

The 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.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Nearest Major Market: Tampa

Apply Now: https://jobs.myflorida.com/

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Margie Barlas

Research Associate

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