Marine Mammal Stranding & Population Assessment Assistant

Florida Atlantic University

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Mammal Stranding & Population Assessment Assistant for our campus in Jupiter, Florida. FAU Harbor Branch, located in Ft. Pierce, is a research institute focusing on marine science and oceanography with over 200 scientists, staff and students that work and study at the site. Performs as a NOAA NMFS authorized primary responder on marine mammal strandings and collects Level A stranding data, working in the field and office. Performs as a co-investigator on population assessment permit. Duties include boat-based surveys, photo analysis, data entry and data QA/QC. Assists with maintenance of vessels, vehicles, and equipment used for operations. Participates in on-call rotation with other members of the group. Assists in marine mammal necropsies Participates in presentations or other outreach activities regarding stranding and population assessments. Additional job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in an appropriate field of study, such as Biology, Environmental Sciences
One (1) year of marine mammal stranding response experience and related activities required.
Must have valid Florida driver’s license with acceptable driving record or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire required.
Florida certificate of Boating Safety Education required or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire required.
Successfully complete the USGS Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC) within 6 months of hire required.
Experience driving various vessels in coastal and offshore waters required.
Ability to work flexible hours including on-call times weekly, weekend, and holidays to meet program objectives required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with population assessment data collection, photo-ID boat surveys, photo analysis or database input.
Comfortable driving large vehicles and towing boats.
Ability to become a NOAA NMFS primary responder on marine mammal stranding activities (Article 3 and 4) required within one year of hire.
Ability to immediately be approved for NOAA NMFS primary responder.
Experience with Microsoft Office.
Excellent verbal and communication skills.
Able to work within a team and independently.
Collaborative activities with all stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Performs as a NOAA NMFS authorized primary responder on marine mammal strandings and collects Level A stranding data, working in the field and office.
Performs as a co-investigator on population assessment permit.
Boat-based surveys, photo analysis, data entry and data QA/QC.
Assists with maintenance of vessels, vehicles, and equipment used for operations.
Participates in on-call rotation with other members of the group.
Assists in marine mammal necropsies.
Participates in presentations or other outreach activities regarding stranding and population assessments.
Additional job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family)
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Flexible Spending plans
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Sick Leave Pool Program.
Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day
Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment.
For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).