Sorry for cross postings. This announcement is different than the recent posting for a similar position in Jacksonville, FL. That position also remains open. OPS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: OPS Biological Scientist I - Position # 77907011 PAY RATE: $10.00/hr (40 hrs/wk) including weekends and occasional holidays; no benefits SECTION: Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals LOCATION: Port Charlotte, FL (Charlotte County) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute DEADLINE: Open until filled APPLY TO: Send a completed State of Florida Employment Application, letter of interest and three references to the address below. Resumes are welcomed but do not replace the application. A printable Adobe PDF application can be downloaded from https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. Denise Boyd - Manatee Office Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Charlotte Harbor Field Lab 585 Prineville St. Port Charlotte, FL 33954 (941) 613-0944 Fax: (941) 613-0948 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: Participate in the manatee carcass salvage program by recovering manatee carcasses from a ten county area in Southwest Florida and transportation of the carcasses to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) for necropsy. Participate with rescues and transportation of sick and injured marine mammals, primarily manatees. Respond appropriately to incoming calls related to public reports of wildlife alerts. Communicate effectively with network of stranding responders including various agencies, NGO's, and across FWC divisions. Perform and assist with field necropsies of dolphins and manatees when appropriate. Produce detailed reports regarding manatee carcasses and rescues. Reports will include standardized maps generated with ArcGIS software. Assist with manatee tracking and tagging projects as needed. Conduct aerial surveys of marine mammals as assigned, including management of data. Participate in multi-agency manatee photo-identification and genetics sampling programs. Assist with data entry, analyses, and data archival tasks as assigned. Complete administrative paperwork including travel, time sheets, and reports. Assist with manatee outreach programs including presentations for local groups and agencies. Perform tasks such as general cleaning of office and equipment, vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance, and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university. The ability to safely operate and trailer boats less than 40 feet in length is highly desired. Applicant must obtain boater safety certification within the first six months of employment. Knowledge and the ability to use field equipment, digital cameras, and personal computers, software including Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and Word, are also highly desired. Field work is highly physical and applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs. Applicant must be able to swim proficiently, possess or obtain a Class D driver's license for employment, and have the ability to work both as a team member as well as independently in various field situations. Marine mammal stranding-response experience is preferred. Applicant must be able to work under adverse field conditions, potentially nights, on weekends and holidays. Aerial survey experience is highly desired. Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, utilize problem solving techniques, and understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, and policies. FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application / selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance. FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT WE HIRE ONLY U.S. CITIZENS AND LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED ALIENS WHO CAN PROVIDE PROOF OF THEIR IDENTITY AND EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY. Review of applicants will begin May 28th and will continue until a suitable applicant is found.