FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Marine Mammal Research Program Biological Scientist II - Career Service Position with Benefits $1,584.61 Biweekly, $41,199 Annually 100 Eighth Ave SE Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 Biological Scientist II - CS 77073235 Closing Date: 2/6/2025 Our organization: The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience. Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: experience with operating and trailering watercraft, experience with wildlife tracking using radio-telemetry. Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://jobs.myflorida.com (enter 77073235 in the keyword search field). Applicants must also upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email and phone) for three references with their People First application by the closing date, but these do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form. Applicants are required to complete the additional application questions (answers of 'see resume' are not sufficient). If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Position Overview and Responsibilities: The person in this position will collaborate with FWRI scientists to conduct field research and collect data on manatee behavior, ecology, habitat, distribution, and threats. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with tagging manatees through capture and in-water replacement of tags, independently tracking tagged manatees with radio-telemetry and sonic equipment by boat and from shore, and recording behavioral observations and environmental data. Additional field responsibilities may include conducting aerial surveys, photo-identification, genetic biopsy sampling, temperature monitoring, habitat assessments, and other field work as assigned. Office and lab responsibilities include entering, editing, and verifying data; monitoring manatee movement behavior using satellite-linked telemetry; maintaining project databases, equipment inventories, and records; creating and updating written procedures; providing summary information and data to managers as needed; purchasing and constructing tagging and other project-related gear; and assisting with maintenance of field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel. The person in this position may take on supervision of an OPS staff. Travel may be state-wide. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems Knowledge of principles and techniques of scientific research Knowledge of methods of biological data collection Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat Skilled in wildlife tracking using radio-telemetry Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.), able to complete a small boat safety course within the probationary period Skilled in the aerial survey of wildlife Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including digital SLR cameras Skilled in problem-solving, especially in field situations Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment Ability to perform detail-oriented work in an organized manner Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to swim with sufficient skill to perform in-water research Ability to maintain a U.S. driver's license Why should I apply? The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems. Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly Retirement Plan Options State University and College Tuition Waiver Program On the Job Trainings Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees. Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community. For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/<javascript:void(0);>. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Margie Barlas Assistant Research Scientist Marine Mammals Subsection Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish & Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Cell: 727.432.0957 Email: Margie.Barlas@MyFWC.com<mailto:Margie.Barlas@MyFWC.com> or Margaret.Barlas@MyFWC.com<mailto:Margaret.Barlas@MyFWC.com> To report a tagged, injured, or dead manatee, please call our toll free Wildlife Hotline: 1-888-404-FWCC. Visit us on the web at https://myfwc.com/research