ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072652
Date: Nov 22, 2017
Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33701
Requisition No: 24861
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072652
Position Number: 77072652
Salary: $48,685.52 to $52,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 12/10/2017
FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research (FWRI)
Wildlife Research- Marine Turtles
ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST
(Anticipated Vacancy/Pending Reclassification Approval)
ANTICIPATED STARTING SALARY: Salary ranges from $ 48,685.52 to $52,000.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) seeks an Assistant Research Scientist with extensive sea turtle nesting survey experience to join the Florida sea turtle nesting survey coordination program. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting, developing and conducting research on the nesting biology and ecology of Florida sea turtles and for advising sea turtle conservation and management activities. His/her primary research focus will be on research addressing action items in federal recovery plans or addressing issues identified by management agencies and pertaining to nesting ecology/habitat and hatchling production. He/she will advance the objectives of the nesting survey programs and assist with site visits and training of Florida marine turtle permit holders. He/she may also serve as a principal investigator for or assist with studies of sea turtles that may include life history, ecology, reproductive biology, migrations, stock assessments and population biology. He/she will assist with or lead efforts to analyze data sets derived from multiple interdisciplinary sources and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He/she will assist with or lead efforts to prepare grant proposals and reports and will be involved with all aspects of grant-related work including budgetary oversight and fulfillment of reporting requirements. He/she may supervise daily activities of subordinate seasonal and temporary staff as needed. Supervisory duties could include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies and procedures. He/she will serve on inter-divisional and inter-agency teams on sea turtle-related conservation issues and represent the Section, Institute, and Department at public and professional meetings. He/she will promote and participate in public outreach efforts. Some overnight travel is 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 and three years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience as described above; or a doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics.
PREFERRED SELETION CRITERIA
Candidates with a PhD or a Master’s in marine science, ecology, conservation biology or a closely related field, with extensive sea turtle nesting survey experience, with experience conducting research on sea turtles, especially pertaining to reproductive biology or nesting ecology or to habitat use and needs, and who have published this work in a peer-reviewed scientific journal as a first author are encouraged to apply and may be given preference. Applicants with experience obtaining and managing grants, with experience conducting wildlife conservation and management activities, especially pertaining to sea turtles, and with ArcGIS knowledge, may also be given preference.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of: sea turtle biology, ecology, and conservation with emphases on nesting ecology, population ecology and habitat use; scientific terminology, principles and techniques including experimental design, hypothesis testing, sampling, and statistics associated with biological research. Skills: strong quantitative skills, use of field equipment and scientific laboratory. Ability to: design research studies, conduct field research, collect and organize data; perform quantitative analysis of data; work both independently and on collaborative projects; utilize problem-solving techniques; make taxonomic identifications; take tissue samples; use computer software for database, statistical, graphical, and word-processing applications; review technical literature and prepare written scientific reports, prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and popular articles; assist or prepare grant proposals for project funding; organize and track project budgets; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; supervise employees and volunteers; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, colleagues, and volunteers; communicate clearly results and findings of research to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the conduct of a Commission employee; perform field work (sometimes in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, etc.), occasionally work extended hours (sometimes on weekends) and travel for multiple days; drive an ATV; and maintain a valid driver’s license.
TO APPLY
All applicants must complete an electronic application through People First (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/). In addition, 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.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
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