[Coral-List] Job Announcement FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

[Ruzicka, Rob]

Please distribute widely:

FWC/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
OPS Biological Scientist I

40 Hours/Week + overtime

Position Description: 

Participate as a team member in the coral reef monitoring and evaluation
project (CREMP) in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS)
and Dry Tortugas. Participate in field data collection using underwater
photography, videography, and other sampling equipment. Make in situ
species identifications of selected marine benthic taxa and stony
corals. Assist the CREMP team in the mobilization and demobilization for
all field operations. Perform other duties as needed to meet the project
objectives of the coral reef research group and the Ecosystem Assessment
and Restoration Section. 

Maintain proficiency as Institute diver, including advanced SCUBA and
NITROX capabilities according to AAUS standards. Assist in the safe
operation of Institute research vessels and operation of portable SCUBA
compressor. With training, operate cascade air fill station to refill
diving cylinders. Assist in maintenance of diving, field, safety and
laboratory equipment. Participate in training for additional field
studies and participate in other coral research projects as directed. 

Serve as the primary team member responsible for post-processing of
video images and creating data files using coral image analysis
programs. With training, responsible for incorporating QA/QC procedures
as specified in frame grabbing of underwater video and creation of coral
image analysis files. Assist with data entry, creation of summary
tables, and digital graphics products. Identify stony coral species and
octocoral, sponge and other selected taxa from CDROM images and assist
in preparation of reports and manuscripts. 

NOTE: This position requires extended travel in the field. Travel often
requires 2 week stays in the field and requires working on weekends;
workweeks in the field are often 60 hours. Overtime is paid for work
over 40 hours in one workweek. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. This
position is based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

Education & Experience: 

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a
major in one of the biological sciences. Preference will be given to
candidates with demonstrated proficiency in computer programming.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of marine biology and/or ecology

Knowledge of principles of SCUBA diving, diving safety

Knowledge of and ability to safely operate boats, trailers and related
equipment

Knowledge of basic mechanics/equipment maintenance demonstrated ability
to apply that knowledge

Knowledge of use and maintenance of underwater camera/video equipment

Knowledge of PC computer software (Word, Excel, Windows, Access, PRIMER,
Raven view) 

Skill in using computer software programs 

Skill in basic use of marine navigation and electronics equipment 

Demonstrated skill in seamanship

Skill in SCUBA diving and underwater navigation

Demonstrated organizational and communication skills and ability to
complete assigned tasks in a timely manner

Ability to work as a team member to accomplish project goals

Ability to participate in heavy physical exertion while swimming or
diving

Ability to meet the American Academy of Underwater Sciences scientific
diver standards

Ability to obtain mixed gas (NITROX) certification

Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs

Ability to endure long work hours and extensive periods of time in the
field

Ability to learn advanced computer software applications, marine benthic
taxonomy and in situ species identifications

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid driver's license and open water SCUBA certification required.
Class D drivers license, advanced diving certification (NITROX) and
current CPR and First Aid certifications required post-employment. 

TO APPLY:

All applicants must submit an electronic application through People
First (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/
<https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/> ) before the closing deadline
(9/18/08). In addition, applicants are required to submit an electronic
copy of their resume, cover letter, and names of three references by the
closing date to Mr. Jim Kozlowski (Jim.Kozlowski at MyFWC.com
<mailto:Jim.Kozlowski at MyFWC.com> ). Incomplete applications will not be
accepted. For more information contact Jim Kozlowski at:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 

100 8th Avenue SE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-896-8626 x 3202

A link to this job announcement is available at
http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=1115559

Closing deadline: 9/19/08

FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/American Disability Act
Employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the
application/selection process, as defined by the ADA, please contact the
hiring authority in advance. 
Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully
authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment
eligibility.

 

Thank you,

 

 

Rob Ruzicka

Coral Program

FL Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-896-8626 x 1134

Email: rob.ruzicka at myfwc.com <mailto:rob.ruzicka at myfwc.com> 

http://research.myfwc.com/ <http://research.myfwc.com/>