Manatee Tracking Project Research Assistant The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal Research Group is looking for one field biological technician to work for the upcoming winter-spring season in St. Petersburg, FL. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Section - Wildlife Research Project - Manatee Behavioral Ecology Location - St. Petersburg, FL (field work in Brevard County) Position# - 77907345-51387569 Closing Date - October 6, 2013 Start Date - November 15, 2013 Duration - 6-8 months Rate of pay - $11.00 - $12.00 per hour depending on experience; 40 hr/week, some overtime This position is temporary, contingent upon funding. Anticipated end date for this position is between 5/31/14 and 7/15/14. Position description: The employee's primary responsibility is to assist researchers in the Manatee Behavioral Ecology and Movements Program with radio-tracking manatees along the East Coast of Florida by following tagged individuals from land and small boats to record behavioral observations. The principle aims of this study are to characterize manatee use of warm-water refugia and essential winter foraging habitat using state-of-the-art satellite-linked GPS technology. Other duties include equipment maintenance, data entry, mapping and interpreting Argos and GPS satellite telemetry data, preparing reports of habitat site visits, miscellaneous office tasks, and public outreach as needed. The person will participate in manatee captures, currently scheduled for mid-December. Applicants should understand that this job requires them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions. The office is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL but the primary field site is near Titusville, FL. Travel to other areas of the state may be required based on animal movements or project needs. Lodging, per diem, and transportation costs are provided while at the field site. Hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, but some evening and weekend hours may be required. Field work is expected to last through March, followed by work on equipment and data in the lab. This position requires the applicant to drive a truck towing a boat trailer. Desired Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences is required. Previous experience in boat handling and trailering is strongly desired. Applicant should have field research experience with wildlife. Experience with radio-telemetry tracking gear is desirable. The successful candidate must have strong computer skills, preferably including familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word applications. Experience with GIS is a plus. Organizational skills, attention to detail, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work successfully as part of a team are essential qualifications for this position. He/She must have a valid US driver's license, a good driving history, and must be able to swim. 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. TO APPLY: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by midnight on the closing date listed (October 6, 2013). Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a copy of their resume or CV along with professional references and a cover letter highlighting their qualifications for this position. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). 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.