OPS MANATEE POSITION

LOCATION: MELBOURNE

SALARY: $10.00/hr, no benefits; 40 hours/week

OPEN: 08 August 2007; open until filled



DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: Duties include but are not limited to recovery of manatee carcasses from a six county area on the central East Coast of Florida (Brevard, Indian River, southern Volusia, Seminole, Lake and Marion Counties).  Conduct necropsies on badly decomposed manatee carcasses and transport fresh to moderately decomposed manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg.  Participate in the manatee rescue network, including coordination of capture and transportation of injured manatees to the appropriate rehabilitation facility.  Conduct aerial surveys of manatees, track radio-tagged manatees and photograph manatees for photo identification purposes.  Participate in aerial verification/documentation flights for the North Atlantic right whale, participate in aerial synoptic surveys for manatees. Participate in data entry, office work and extensive public outreach including working with the press. Work long, unscheduled hours on short notice that include some evenings, most weekends and frequently on holidays.

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 personal computers, field gear, and cameras are also highly desired. Applicant must be able to swim proficiently. Field work is highly physical and applicant must be able to lift 50#. Applicant must possess a Class D driver’s license for employment. Must have the ability to work both as a team member as well as alone in various situations. Must be a U.S. citizen with clean record as Homeland Security clearance is necessary for some areas within our coverage. Applicants must be organized, detail oriented, have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated and willing to go the extra mile on a daily basis.

CONTACT:                Ann C. Spellman

                        Marine Research Associate

                        Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

                        Florida Marine Research Institute

                        Indian River Field Station

                        1220 Prospect Ave., STE 285

                        Melbourne, FL 32901

                        Ann.Spellman@MyFWC.com


To apply, submit a State of Florida Employment Application (follow link at    http://research.myfwc.com/careers) and current resume along with at least three references to the individual whose name appears above. Electronic submissions accepted.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer

Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility.