[Coral-List] Job Opportunity - FL Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Biological Scientist / Acropora Monitoring and Mapping Project

Kate Semon kate.mia at gmail.com
Wed Apr 14 17:30:08 EDT 2010


Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Coral Reef Research
Vacancy: OPS Biological Scientist III
POSITION #: 77907263
LOCATION: Marathon, FL (Monroe County)
RATE OF PAY: $19.00/hour, 40 hours/week, no benefits, overtime available
ANTICIPATED START DATE: 1 July 2010
SUPERVISOR: Kathleen Semon

**

*Position Description:*

Participates as the Lead Diver for the Monitoring and Mapping of Threatened
Acroporid Corals Project, specifically for quarterly demographic
monitoring. Position
is based in Marathon and requires extensive travel throughout the Florida
Keys. Leads field trips, conducts field data collection, monitoring, and
underwater mapping of *Acropora *spp. populations using underwater
photography, GPS, and established demographic monitoring protocols.
Participates
in training for field protocols, and subsequently assists in training
additional staff. Maintains proficiency as Institute diver, including basic
SCUBA and NITROX capabilities. Operates the FWC 25 ft. research vessels.
Operates marine electronics: DGPS, radar, depth recorders, VHF radio, and
marine band radio. Conducts boat maintenance and safety checks and is
responsible for boat security in the event of a storm. Schedules and
oversees any boat repairs. Maintains schedule of boat use by Acropora and
other FWRI project teams. Procures and maintains diving, field, laboratory,
and safety equipment. Assists in mobilizing and demobilizing for all field
operations.

Maintains original datasheets, electronically enters field data, and QA/QC’s
field data in a timely fashion. Prepares and submits quarterly and annual
reports to Acroporid Project PI assuring that products are timely, accurate
and of high quality. Prepares figures and tables for research documents and
presentations at public, managerial, governmental, & scientific meetings &
symposia. Independently analyzes subsets of Acroporid project data and
co-authors manuscripts and publishes results. Collaborates with other
members of FWRI and project subcontractors to facilitate quarterly
demographic monitoring, and to develop studies or products that expand the
focus or improve the quality of the Monitoring and Mapping of Threatened
Acroporid Corals project reports or analyses.

Assists with other coral research and monitoring projects as directed (e.g.
Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP)) as well as emergency
response events (disease and bleaching surveys, damage assessments,
etc.). Promotes
and participates in FWC/FWRI public outreach efforts as appropriate, and
supports Ecosystem and Assessment & Restoration needs as directed.

Participates in training for additional field studies and subsequently
assist with training for other staff.

NOTE: This position is based in Marathon and requires extended fieldwork
throughout the Florida Keys. Fieldwork often requires two weeks to complete
and requires working on weekends; workweeks in the field are often 60 hours..
Overtime is paid for work over 40 hours conducted in one work week. Travel
expenses will be reimbursed.

*Education & Experience:*

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in
one of the biological sciences and two years professional experience, or a
Master’s degree. Preference may be given to qualified candidates with a
Master's degree. Additional experience in conducting *in situ *ecological or
environmental research projects and synthesizing large datasets is required..


**

*Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities*

Knowledge of marine biology and/or ecology; Knowledge of coral
identification and underwater data collection techniques; 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 PC computer software (Word, Excel, Windows, Access); Skill in
basic use of marine navigation and electronics equipment; Skill in SCUBA
diving and underwater navigation; Demonstrated leadership skills in planning
and conducting quarterly field monitoring; Demonstrated skill in seamanship;
Demonstrated organizational and communication skills and ability to complete
assigned tasks in a timely manner; Ability to participate in heavy physical
exertion while swimming or diving; Ability to work as a team member to
accomplish project goals; Ability to endure long work hours and extensive
periods of time in the field; Ability to meet the American Academy of
Underwater Sciences scientific diver standards; Ability to lift heavy
equipment up to 50 lbs

**

*Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities*

Knowledge of statistical software packages (i.e., SigmaStat, SPSS, Systat,
S-Plus, Statistica, SAS, Primer); Skill in statistical analyses of large
ecological datasets; Demonstrated ability to write scientifically, develop
proposals, and co-author manuscripts; Ability to obtain mixed gas (NITROX)
certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Florida driver’s license and open water SCUBA certification
required. AAUS
certification is preferred. 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/). 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). 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

 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. *


-- 
Kathleen Semon, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist - Corals
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute



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