Requisition No: 808981
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II – 77073226
Position Number: 77073226
Salary: $39,900 Annually
Posting Closing Date: 08/27/2023
FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II – 77073226
Salary: $39,900.12 per year
Application deadline: August 27th, 2023
Job Description
This position, located in Tequesta, will assist in the coordination and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision (FWC) Southeast Field Lab (SEFL) covering seven Counties from St Lucie County south to Monroe County and inland Okeechobee County. The incumbent will conduct marine mammal necropsies (primarily manatees) and accurately record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will serve as assistant field station lead. Duties include fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the public regarding marine mammals. The position will be required to transport select manatee carcasses to FWC’s Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab located in St. Petersburg. Primary responsibilities include managing all vehicle, vessel, and trailer maintenance both on a weekly and monthly schedule as well as addressing issues as they arise. This position will also serve as the SEFL volunteer and intern coordinator and will be responsible for the management of volunteers and interns, including recruitment and scheduling. The position will also participate in an on-call rotation fielding afterhours (5pm to 8am) marine mammal calls for the state. Job duties include participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees to the appropriate facility; boat operation; report writing and database entry; field based photo identification; general cleaning of office and equipment; attend trainings, meetings, and other tasks as assigned by supervisor; organize at least two volunteer trainings per year; schedule and participate in education and conservation outreach programs; and assist with manatee aerial surveys.
Minimum Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences
One year professional biological experience in a field or lab research program
Preferred Experience
Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference.
Applicants having boat operating and trailering experience may be given preference.
Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities
- Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees
- Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques
- Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis
- Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques
- Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses
- Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers, and watercraft vessels up to 26′ in length
- Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26′ in length and smaller
- Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions
- Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself
- Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Must be able to multi-task, problem solve, and effectively communicate
- Be comfortable speaking to the public
- Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within a month of employment
- Must obtain boater safety certification and CPR/First Aid/Oxygen Administration within first 6 months of employement
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from a Level 1 Background Check. There is no cost to the candidate for this check.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.