The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal 
Research Group is looking for one biological scientist to work in the Manatee 
Behavioral Ecology Program 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 statewide

Rate of Pay: $18.00 per hour.  Limited benefits, but state group health 
insurance is available to eligible candidates.  Full-time (40 hours/week).

Posting Closing Date: 06/16/2023


NOTICE: Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or 
experience stated on the employment application.


Job Description:

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 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. 
Travel may be state-wide.



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.



Knowledge, Skill(s), 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



Application Requirements:
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 77907196 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.

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.  OPS employees are 
not eligible for paid vacation, sick leave or state holidays and are only 
compensated for hours worked.

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 (This position is eligible for 
health insurance. The individual must meet eligibility requirements; current 
employees or someone who has worked for the State of Florida (or state 
university system) and is rehired within 13 weeks of their separation date, are 
encouraged to consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office 
for details on their eligibility.)
  *   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
  *   No moving expenses provided

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: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/803518/




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

Phone: 727.896.8626 X4747
Direct Line: 727.502.4747
Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

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

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