job opening- coral reef research

77072844-51298926-20081104103639 -- FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS Agency: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 2 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB008 Position Number: 77072844 Closing Date: 11/18/2008 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG County: Annual Salary Range: $32,945.64 annually Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE   DESCRIPTION: FWC/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Grant Funded FTE - Biological Scientist II 40 Hours/Week Starting Salary $1,267.14 Biweekly + Benefits 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. Identify stony coral species and octocoral, sponge and other selected taxa from CDROM images and assist with statistical analyses of project data. Assists in the preparation of reports and manuscripts and performs other duties as needed to meet the project objectives of the coral reef research group and the Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). 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. Collaborate with other members of FWRI and/or external researchers/partners to develop health and/or population dynamics studies for selected marine species (e.g. sponges, stony or soft corals, other reef related fauna, etc.). Conduct in situ and/or laboratory analyses as needed. Write proposals and design studies to expand the research focus of the coral reef research group to understand processes influencing the health and/or factors regulating the distribution of marine species on coral reefs. Prepare and submit manuscripts for the work described above. Disseminate results through presentations at public, managerial, governmental and scientific conferences. 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 not paid for work over 40 hours in one workweek; however, compensation time is accrued. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. EDUCATION AND 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. PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES Knowledge of marine biology and/or ecology Knowledge of multi-variate statistics and statistical software programs (SAS, PRIMER, JMP, Sigma Stat & Plot) 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 ability to write scientifically, develop proposals, author and co-author manuscripts Demonstrated organizational and communication skills and ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner Demonstrated skill in seamanship 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. Advanced diving certification (NITROX), current CPR and First Aid and DAN Oxygen Administration 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@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. Veterans' preference will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility.