OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC - 77907466

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

7d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Terrestrial Mammals F&W Biologist 1 – OPS Position $18 per hour 1105 SW Williston Rd Gainesville, FL    Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Terrestrial Mammals F&W Biologist 1 – OPS 77907466 Gainesville, Florida - $18 per hour   Our organization: The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.   Position Overview and Responsibilities: This project involves the capture and tracking of bats to locate maternity roosts of the tricolored bat, a species under consideration for federal protection. The maternity roosting behavior of tricolored bats remains a poorly understood aspects of their life history, particularly in the southeast. Developing a better understanding of roosting habitat and behavior will enable us to better inform management efforts and enhance conservation strategies for this vulnerable species. The position is expected to last from mid-March to early-August and is expected to be located near Gainesville. The majority of fieldwork will be in north-central Florida. The position is responsible for conducting mist netting and radio telemetry to locate tricolored bat summer roosts. Main duties include working independently or with other staff members to capture and track bats, ensure that standard WNS decontamination procedures are followed, conduct emergence counts at identified roosts, and complete vegetation surveys at roost and random trees. Additional duties may include contacting landowners and land managers to request property access, entering and QCing data, and assisting in writing reports. This is a 40 hour per week position.

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.
• Position requires work of nonstandard hours including nights and weekends.
• Work is limited to 40 hours per week.
• Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines
• Must be able to carry-out extensive field work in a variety of situations, including working in muggy, buggy weather and around alligators.
• Knowledge of bats of the southeast and safe handling methods
• Knowledge of common trees of the southeast
• Skill in radio-telemetry, including triangulation and tracking
• Knowledge of standard white-nose syndrome decontamination procedures

Nice To Haves

• The preferred candidate has experience identifying and handling bats and tracking bats with radio telemetry.
• Recent pre-exposure rabies vaccination or minimum recommended titer level is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of bat biology, conservation, and species identification (acoustically and/or in hand) is preferred.
• Knowledge of southeastern tree species and experience conducting vegetation surveys is preferred.
• Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills and be able to work cooperatively with diverse colleagues, partners, landowners, and citizens.

Responsibilities

• Capture and track bats
• Ensure that standard WNS decontamination procedures are followed
• Conduct emergence counts at identified roosts
• Complete vegetation surveys at roost and random trees
• Contact landowners and land managers to request property access
• Entering and QCing data
• Assisting in writing reports

Benefits

• Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
• Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
• Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
• OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan
• On the Job Trainings
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees