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)
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.