OPS - Bio Sci I - 77907527

State of Florida•Tequesta, FL

7d•$20 - $20

About The Position

The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking someone to assist primarily with activities associated with the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). Since 1980, the State of Florida, through FWRI has coordinated and maintained the state's STSSN. The FLSTSSN functions as a part of the nationwide STSSN, coordinated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This network is responsible for ensuring documentation of all dead, sick, or injured (i.e., stranded) sea turtles. In Florida, stranded sea turtles are documented by FWRI staff biologists and by a network of permitted participants located around the state. The documentation of stranded sea turtles is an important component of monitoring the status of sea turtle populations and provides an opportunity to identify and address mortality factors. The primary functions of this position include responding or coordinating the response to reports of stranded sea turtles and documenting the incident, transporting sick or injured sea turtles to rehabilitation facilities, assisting with the release of rehabilitated sea turtles, transporting dead turtles to necropsy, assisting with necropsies, coordinating and assisting with cold-stunning events, providing training and guidance for STSSN participants and interacting with them to maintain effective communication, and assisting with entering and updating sea turtle data. The secondary functions of this position include participating in public outreach as needed and performing other work as required.

Requirements

4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
40 hours a week, including one weekend day and at least one shift from 12-8 pm EST.
Knowledge of sea turtle biology and conservation, especially pertaining to sea turtles in Florida and knowledge of the terminology and methodology used when collecting data on stranded sea turtles.
Ability to communicate effectively and positively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people (biological and conservation professionals, agency personnel, law enforcement personnel, private citizens, and media representatives) and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
The ability and desire to develop long-term partnerships with all STSSN participants.
The ability to plan, organize, coordinate and prioritize work assignments, to multitask, and to work independently.
Ability to perform field work under various, sometimes adverse field conditions, including some heavy (up to 50 lbs.) lifting, and to organize and maintain field notes.
The ability to drive a large pick-up truck, pull trailers, and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Skill in the use Microsoft Office Software and web-based databases.
Ability to occasionally travel.
Ability to work evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

B.S. degree in one of the physical or life sciences.
Two or more years of work experience in the field of biological sciences.
Two or more years of work experience involving sea turtles.

Responsibilities

Responding or coordinating the response to reports of stranded sea turtles and documenting the incident
Transporting sick or injured sea turtles to rehabilitation facilities
Assisting with the release of rehabilitated sea turtles
Transporting dead turtles to necropsy
Assisting with necropsies
Coordinating and assisting with cold-stunning events
Providing training and guidance for STSSN participants and interacting with them to maintain effective communication
Assisting with entering and updating sea turtle data
Participating in public outreach as needed
Performing other work as required