The University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue Program (UF MAR) is seeking a full time Marine Animal Stranding Biologist for stranding response and recovery in Levy, Taylor, and Dixie counties. The Stranding Biologist, along with UF Marine Animal Rescue veterinarians and staff, will respond to sick, injured, or deceased marine mammals and sea turtles, as the primary coverage staff member. The Stranding Biologist will be stationed in a guest office in the Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge in Chiefland, FL, interact closely with the refuge personnel, and must be willing to live near the coast. The Stranding Biologist is supported by faculty and staff at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine (UF CVM) and Aquatic Animal Health Program volunteers and will report directly to the faculty principal investigators as their main supervisors. The Stranding Biologist will also work in partnership with the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and the Cedar Key Dolphin Project, as well as a host of other close partners. The successful applicant will continue to build the fairly new stranding program with volunteers, local personnel, training and public education. The position’s responsibilities will be based initially on the experience of the applicant hired and additional training will be provided where necessary. Additionally, this position is funded by a grant received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the (NOAA NMFS) Southeast Stranding Network under the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program.

The Stranding Biologist will be responsible for the following:

· Coordinate stranding response, recovery and reports of cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles within the designated response area.

• Organize and oversee the daily operations of the stranding program including, but not limited to monitoring and response to stranding calls and adhering to local and national laws and policies regarding protected species and habitats.
• Collect data and complete required documentations (e.g. 24-hour report, Level A Data, Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network Report (STSSN)) for all stranded animals and complete required reporting to databases including GulfMAP and FWC’s STSSN.
• Develop and submit quarterly program activity reports and budget reimbursement requests to the NFWF coordinator of the grant
• Coordinate and conduct or assist veterinarian in necropsies both in the field and at UF CVM, including coordinating the disposal of carcasses and waste materials.
• Maintain inventory database for all samples and marine mammal parts in conjunction with UF CVM staff and proper NMFS, USFWS, and FWC permitting regulations.
• Maintain equipment, vehicle, and vessel as well as required logs for vehicle usage.
• Develop and maintain a volunteer, partner, and public outreach network to assist in stranding response, public support, and necropsy.
• Coordinate UFMAR’s involvement in public outreach events, including organizing attendance at festivals, scheduling lectures, and developing school programs to increase awareness of the program and the species involved.

· Conduct workshops and trainings for stranding program volunteers in conjunction with the PI, UF CVM faculty and staff.

· Ensure adequate safety training and PPE for all volunteers, staff, and faculty for all procedures involved in stranding response and necropsy, including, but not limited to: hazardous and biological waste training, boating safety, animal handling, and zoonotic disease prevention after completing University training in these areas.

• Assist in grant writing and development activities.
• Assist and participate with research projects related to stranding events, local population studies with program participants and pursue drone certification with UF for field use.
• When not engaged in primary stranding efforts, biologist can assist program partners such as the Cedar Key Dolphin Project(Dolphin Population Research) or Nature Coast Biological Station with local research
• Work with program PI, faculty and staff to continue to enhance the stranding response in a not previously covered and challenging environment

Applicants should possess or develop the following qualifications:

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs, preferably including Microsoft Access.

· Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

· Excellent interpersonal skills to foster and maintain a professional network of partners, volunteers, and supporters.

· Flexibility with regards to scheduling to accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding response and requirement of 24/7 on-call status.

· High level interpersonal communication skills.

· Relevant experience in marine mammal stranding and necropsy (may be a combination of paid and unpaid work).

· Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted after proper training.

· Ability to drive a large truck and boat including ability to trailer and tow vessel.

· Ability to work under harsh weather conditions.

· Grant writing skills are highly desirable.

Pay range: $15.00 to $17.00 per hour

This is a full time OPS position. Employees are eligible to receive benefits including health, eye, and dental insurance.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and experience with stranding work (Cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles).

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in stranding program(s) and procedures. Team based work ethic and leadership capabilities. CPR and first aid certifications. Experience with dolphin photo ID.

Applications for the position should include the following: CV/Resume, Cover letter, letters of reference from three individuals (preferably involved in the stranding field) including full contact information. Please send materials to Mike Walsh walshm@ufl.edu and Laurie Adler ladler1@ufl.edu.

Application deadline: January 23^rd, 2020 by 6:00pm