The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal Section is looking for one stranding biologist to work at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL. Division: Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Section: Wildlife Research Subsection: Marine Mammals Location: St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) with field work primarily along Florida's central to NW gulf coast (Manatee County to Escambia County) Rate of Pay: $18.00 per hour. Limited benefits, but state group health insurance is available to eligible candidates. Full-time (40 hours/week) with occasional overtime. Posting Closing Date: 07/02/2023 Apply at: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/803900/ NOTICE: Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the employment application. Job Duties and Responsibilities: The person in this position will be primarily responsible for assisting and leading coordination of marine mammal carcass salvage and recovery along Florida's Gulf Coast from Manatee County to Escambia County, and occasionally in other parts of the state as needed. This will include the use of a variety of vehicles, vessels, and specialized equipment, working independently and as part of a team, sometimes in adverse conditions. This position will serve as a member of FWC's marine mammal necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on marine mammals, recording observations, and completing associated necropsy reports. This position will be responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. The incumbent will also assist or lead marine mammal rescues and transports along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed. The person in this position will also be responsible for the management of MMPL volunteers and interns, including recruitment, scheduling, assignment of tasks, and retention. This position is also responsible for downloading and logging images taken during necropsies, rescues, captures, and other field activities, as well as overseeing maintenance of photography equipment. The incumbent is also responsible for updating and maintaining the MMPL incident report database. The person in this position will work holidays in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned and will respond to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. 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 biological experience in a field or laboratory program. 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 the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft) and able to complete a small boat safety course within the probationary period Skilled in the use and maintenance of field equipment Skilled in problem-solving, especially in field situations Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment Ability to performed detailed-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 performed in-water research Ability to maintain a U.S. driver's license This position requires the candidate to have successful completion of a level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate prior to hire. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights Additional Requirements: The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) point-of-view. Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed. Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC's invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). 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. Nearest Major Market: Tampa Apply now at: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/803900/ Brandon Bassett Manatee Mortality Database Curator Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory Office - 727-893-2904 Visit us on the web at https://myfwc.com/research