JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) MANATEE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE MELBOURNE, FL Position Number: 77072682 Annual Salary Range: 41,263.82 Closing Date: 4/29/2016 DESCRIPTION The FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Marine Mammal Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as the lead manatee biologist at the Melbourne Marine Mammal Field Station. The incumbent is responsible for daily operation of marine mammal activities at the Field Station, including staff supervision, coordinating and performing manatee carcass recovery and necropsy, leading manatee rescue and transportation efforts, program management, vehicle and vessel maintenance, report writing, and coordination of Section research objectives. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS At least a Bachelor's degree in one of the Biological or Life Sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or lab research program. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Supervisory responsibilities include direct supervision of two OPS (hourly) positions. The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor. These duties may include, but are not limited to: * recovery of manatee carcasses for necropsy and transport to central necropsy facility in St Petersburg * field necropsies of selected carcasses * coordinating and performing rescues of injured or sick manatees and transport to accredited facilities * vehicular, trailer, and vessel operation/maintenance * service in an On-Call status after operating hours and on some holidays in a weekly rotation with four other staff members for the purpose of responding to state-wide manatee emergencies * manage a network of water temperature monitoring stations * coordinate local photo-identification efforts of manatees * assist with other research projects as assigned * report writing and data analysis It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES * education in and demonstrated knowledge of the biological sciences; * principles and techniques used in research on marine mammals including methods of data collection; * ability to collect and analyze data, utilize problem solving techniques; * understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; * prepare technical reports; * maintain effective working relationships including effectively supervising others; establish, plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; * communicate effectively verbally and in writing; * use personal computers and database software; * work under adverse conditions such as recovering, transporting, and necropsying marine mammal carcasses in the harsh Florida environment (e.g., heat, rain, insects); * ability to swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; * ability to lift 50 lbs. * safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 24' and maintain a valid driver's license; * work hours in excess of 40 per week and serve in on-call status on a rotational basis; * possess or acquire certification of completion of FWRI's trailering evaluation and a boater safety course within the probationary period; DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS * experience and education in marine mammal biology, ecology, physiology; * demonstrated working knowledge and experience in marine mammal necropsy and stranding response; * familiarity with manatee conservation issues; * experience in conducting aerial surveys of animal populations; * demonstrated leadership and supervisory abilities; * ability to multi-task as well as work independently as well as part of a team; * the ability to travel less than 25% of the time, but potentially for several days at a time, throughout Florida * the ability to positively and effectively communicate with media, public, stakeholders and co-workers; TO APPLY Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com) by the closing date listed. ALSO, please include a letter of interest, current CV or resume, and list of at least three references. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. However, applicants claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each application submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any others documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. For information on the supporting documentation required, click here. Applicants may also fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. An Employment Eligibility Verification Check will be conducted in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database that confirms the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.