North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer Positions (Seasonal) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research – Marine Mammals Job Title: OPS Biological Scientist I Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $16.00; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Closing Date: 9/6/2015 Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated end date for this position is 4/1/2015. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: FWC’s FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with photo-identification and data entry, analyses, and archival tasks. Observers also provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. Observers may also assist with vessel based photo-identification, multi-agency genetic sampling effort, field necropsies of right whales, and disentanglement. Prior to the start of surveys on December 1st (dates TBA), applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer with FWC’s North Atlantic right whale program. Applicants must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings. Observer positions are temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding. QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university is required. Applicant must be able to: work and share accommodations in a team environment, utilize problem solving techniques, excel under adverse field conditions, endure a full day in a small aircraft, and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and photo-identification knowledge and skills are strongly desired. Applicants should also have experience in database entry and photographic management software as well as familiarity and knowledge of digital cameras and zoom lenses. TO APPLY: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com . Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter highlighting their qualifications for this position along with a copy of their resume or CV with professional references. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, please call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). 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. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. E-Verify will be used to verify work authorization and identity. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan -mandatory * Workers’ Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights