Manatee Tracking Project Seasonal 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 Subsection: Marine Mammals Headquarters: Saint Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Position#: 77903039 Rate of Pay: $11 - $12 per hour depending on experience, 40 hours/ week, no paid benefits. Closing Date: November 12, 2010 Start Date: December 1, 2010 Duration: 5-6 months 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. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in a life or physical sciences is required. Previous experience in boat handling and trailering is strongly desired. Applicant must 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, have a good driving history, and must be able to swim. Application Process: Please apply electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by the closing date. If you experience technical difficulties, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Please make sure to submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and a summary of your qualifications, along with a resume and list of three references when applying in People First. 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. Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility.