[Coral-List] Job Opening

Fri Oct 18 18:39:11 UTC 2019

The Corals Program at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, Florida has an opening for an OPS Biological Scientist I.  This position will primarily work with the Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP) in the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas and will also have the opportunity assist with other Corals Program projects.  Primary responsibilities will include preparation and organization of CREMP imagery for analysis and archiving, collection of in situ data on SCUBA and procuring and maintaining Corals Program diving, field, laboratory and safety equipment.

Please see the complete position description below.

To apply visit MyFlorida.com the official portal of the State of Florida.  Please provide a cover letter, CV and three professional/academic references.

Direct link to the job posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/SAINT-PETERSBURG-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907350-1-1-FL-33701/601872100/.

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OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907350 1 1
Date: Oct 18, 2019
Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33701

Apply Now: https://jobs.myflorida.com/

Requisition No: 84963
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907350 1 1
Position Number: 77907350
Salary:  $16.00/HR
Posting Closing Date: 11/01/2019

VACANCY (CORALS - CREMP GRAPHICS & DATABASE TECHNICIAN)
ANTICIPATED START DATE: NOVEMBER 2019
STARTING SALARY: $16/HR + OT; INCLUDES HEALTHCARE BENEFITS

Location: This position is located at the Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL.  Moving expenses are not provided.
Funding for this position is provided by federal and/or State of FL grants related to the Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project. Funding at the time of advertisement is guaranteed through 9/30/2021. Continued employment is subject to additional funding requests that are pending.
Job Description
50% - Provide direct support to CREMP database manager to facilitate the entry, organization, and maintenance of project data. Serve as the assistant camera technician responsible for post-processing of high resolution images to create data files for coral image analysis programs.  Assist with processing of photographs for image analysis for multiple monitoring projects.  Inventory and organize archived video and/or photographs to create mosaics and graphics that illustrate long-term changes of benthic communities at CREMP sites. Assist in the development and/or procurement of digital image technology and software to process images.  Work in collaboration with partners at USF and USGS to create visual reference products and graphics that illustrate historical changes in benthic communities on Florida Keys reefs.  Assist in the development and writing of protocols to digitize archived video and convert archived video and/or images into panoramic mosaics, Create geo-referenced mosaics of CREMP monitoring stations for long-term comparisons. Where needed, assist in the preparation of figures and maps for FWRI Coral Program reports.
25% - Participate as a team member in long-term coral monitoring projects including the Coral Reef Evaluation & Monitoring Project (CREMP) in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in the Dry Tortugas National Park and on projects in the Gulf of Mexico.  Participate in data collection using underwater photography. Conduct in situ demographic surveys of selected marine benthic taxa including scleractinians, octocorals, and sponges.  Participate in and assist with training exercises to carry out field surveys. Identify coral, octocoral, sponge and other selected taxa from photographic images of underwater transects using point count software.

25% - Assist in safe operation of research vessels to carry out research activities.  Assist in procurement and maintenance of diving, field, laboratory, and safety equipment. Maintain proficiency as FWRI/AAUS scientific diver. Assist in completing administrative tasks for the Coral Program (vehicle logs, purchasing, etc.). Participate in other coral research related activities including but not limited to damage assessment training, coral disease response, restoration activities, and other Coral or EAR research initiatives where field support is required.  Participate in public outreach events such as Marine Quest or as directed by the Coral program manager.  Perform other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics.

**Preference may be given to candidates with a BS in marine sciences or closely related field and professional coral reef or benthic ecology research experience; candidates affiliated with AAUS institutions and possess AAUS reciprocity; OR candidates who have demonstrated ability to use online tools or software to create high resolution digital products and graphics.
Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities
Knowledge of:  Knowledge of: computer programs/software/technology for processing, organizing, and adjoining images together to create large landscape/reefscape mosaics, knowledge of additional computer software (Word, Excel, Windows, Access).  Basic knowledge of marine biology and/or ecology, systematics of reef organisms, in particular Scleractinians & Octocorallians, and familiarity with marine experimental design and research.
Skill in: the identification of reef organisms, in particular Scleractinians, the basic use of marine navigation and electronics equipment, seamanship, (demonstrated) organizational and communication skills.
Ability to: complete assigned tasks in a timely manner, to work as a team member to accomplish project goals, maintain effective working relationships with collaborative partners, participate in heavy physical exertion while swimming or diving, or carrying out project tasks, lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs, maintain a valid driver's license, and endure long work hours and extensive periods of time in the field. Field abilities include safely operate boats, trailers and related equipment, and safely dive under the requirements of the FWC dive program.

Licenses & Certifications
Valid driver's license and qualifications to meet AAUS diving certifications required.  AAUS qualifications include current CPR and First Aid and Oxygen administration certifications.  Class D drivers license, advanced diving certification (NITROX) required post-employment.

Where To Apply
*** Applicants are required to submit an electronic copy of their resume or CV, cover letter, and names of three professional references by the closing date.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applicants are required to apply through People First by the closing date listed.  Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time of application online.

If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, November 1st, 2019
WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?  Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
*             State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
*             Workers' Compensation - mandatory
*             Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
*             Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office to determine eligibility.)
*             Deferred Compensation - voluntary
*             Employee Assistance Program - voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
*             Any form of paid leave
*             Paid holidays
*             Participation in the Florida Retirement System
*             Reinstatement rights or retention rights

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Nearest Major Market: Tampa

Apply Now: https://jobs.myflorida.com/

Michael Colella
Coral Program
Fish & Wildlife Research Institute
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
100 8th Ave SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-892-4128
Email: Mike.Colella at MyFWC.com
http://research.MyFWC.com/