Please see below for information regarding a job posting at the FWC Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab in St. Petersburg, FL.
FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
Wildlife Research- Marine Mammal Section
Biological Scientist I – OPS Position
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Leads or assists in coordinating timely responses to marine mammal carcass reports for the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (MMPL) - stranding coverage region: coastal counties Escambia to Manatee. Responses include but are not limited to carcass verifications,
tows, recoveries, and transports to designated workup and/or disposal sites including the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL. Assists in conducting consistent, high-quality necropsies on marine mammals to determine cause of death and
collects samples and data per protocols in a manner consistent with safe practices (handling sharp instruments, appropriate PPE and appropriate biohazardous waste practices). Records data and related information in necropsy reports and on data sheets per established
protocols. Responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Assists with safe and efficient manatee rescue operations in the MMPL region including open water captures using a manatee capture boat. Leads or assists with live manatee
transports to and from manatee critical care and secondary holding facilities. Leads or assists with other live or dead marine mammal stranding responses, rescues, and transports. Assists other FWC manatee laboratories with rescue and transport support as
needed. Assists with other marine mammal section priority research projects including but not limited to photo ID, genetics sampling, temperature probes, and aerial surveys.
Assists with managing cetacean stranding data for MMPL responses. Assists with managing NOAA stranding database and completes routine uploads to NOAA-NMFS. Completes and updates Level A cetacean information. Assists with filling cetacean data requests. Assists
with managing samples collected from stranded cetaceans. Assists with writing manatee rescue and mortality reports. Responsible for assisting with NRDA award administration including assisting with budget tracking, monthly and annual progress reports. Leads
and assists with repairs and maintenance of MMPL laboratory and field equipment including repairs and general maintenance of vehicles, boats, and trailers. Participates in public outreach events as appropriate.
Bert Pajor
Marine Mammal Biologist
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory
3700 54th Ave South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Ph: 727-423-4494
Albert.Pajor@myfwc.com
FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922