POSITION TITLE: NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist

REPORTS TO:  Rescue Supervisor

SUPERVISES: Rescue Team Volunteers and Interns

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt 

PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100% Full-Time  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist plays a crucial role in cetacean stranding preparedness, field responses, necropsies, data collection, project management, reporting, and grant funding.

The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist must demonstrate exceptional flexibility and adaptability. They are expected to be available before and after regularly scheduled shifts five days a week to assist with unpredictable events, such as cetacean strandings and network collaborations. They are on call to field public reports after hours up to three evenings per week. The position requires frequent travel and abrupt changes to work schedules and priorities, and it may involve traveling beyond CMA’s coverage area and to other facilities and different job sites. Field responses, necropsies, and post-event responsibilities (e.g., data management, reporting, and media requests) may require changes to regularly scheduled days off and occasional overtime hours if reducing office hours within the same week to avoid overtime is impossible. Overtime hours must be approved by management. 

The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist role primarily focuses on cetacean stranding events and research. While up to 10% of hours can be applied to manatee fieldwork, it's important to note that per the conditions of the grant, this position does not support the rehabilitation of marine mammals, nor does it support work related to other wildlife, such as sea turtles or birds. The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist can, however, gain practical hands-on experience and training to improve stranding response efforts through participation in periodic handling and examination of rehabilitating or resident marine mammals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Operate stranding response equipment including, but not limited to, heavy-duty pickup trucks with hydrolytic lift systems; a Freightliner box truck with extended cab and air brakes; 17 ft and 24 ft Carolina skiffs, 23 ft Dorado V-Hull, and a 28 ft custom boat with a center-mounted outboard motor 
• Recover all cetacean carcasses within CMA’s coverage area promptly to increase the quantity and quality of data and sample collection
• Perform thorough necropsies as the lead examiner within 12 hours of recovery of code 2 and 3 cetacean carcasses following the GoMEX sample collection checklist
• Coordinate internally and externally to rapidly respond to live cetacean stranding events, which may occur on holidays and outside regularly scheduled shifts. 
• Ensure efficient and well-organized stranding response efforts through various tasks aimed at sustaining optimal preparedness, such as regular personnel and community stakeholder training, volunteer management, and the proper maintenance and organization of equipment and supplies via routine inventories and inspections, purchases, cleaning, and storage
• Teach stranding response and necropsy procedures to associate biologists, interns, and volunteers
• Draft reports, label photos, and submit tissue samples within three weeks of necropsies
• Manage data and sample collection, documentation, storage, and submissions
• Monitor CMA's emergency stranding hotline and field reports during on-call shifts
• Lead up-to-date stranding response workshops for volunteers, interns, various first responder groups, and community stakeholders in CMA's designated response area
• Manage internal databases for field responses, necropsies, and biological samples
• Participate in various filming and media events, which require giving interviews and being on camera
• Write and edit grant proposals
• Clean and organize the cetacean necropsy trailer and cold room
• Produce high-quality, professionally written work, including standard operating procedures, technical reports, and other material relevant to fieldwork and necropsies
• Maintain network partner relationships through good communication and collaboration
• Oversee a comprehensive internship program
• Participate in outreach events, networking, and other activities that involve traveling to interact with the public
• Participate in and facilitate research projects 

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

· A bachelor's degree in a related discipline from an accredited college/university is preferred

· Minimum of four years combined relevant professional experience

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs

· Experience operating watercraft vessels and trailering

· Experience driving medium-sized box trucks

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities 
• Excellent time management, organization, and data entry skills 

· Self-starter, ability to work autonomously and function well under pressure

· Valid FL driver's license

• SCUBA Certification is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift to 50 lbs. to waist level - Frequently
• Lift to 20 lbs. to shoulders and above head - Frequently
• Walk/stand for long periods - Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed - Moderate Frequency
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist, and reach - Frequently
• Reach above the shoulders - Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment - Frequently
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather - Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently
• Work extended daily hours, overnight, and up to 60 hours per week – Occasionally

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.  Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.

Abby Stone

Rescue Programs Manager & Stranding Coordinator

Office 727-441-1790 x2301
Mobile 727-278-0476
Email astone@cmaquarium.org

Website www.CMAquarium.org

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249 Windward Passage | Clearwater, FL 33767