| Description |
IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
The Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) began in 1982 with the primary purpose of providing vital information on the population of marine turtles nesting on Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key and Venice. Currently STCRP personnel and a network of approximately 250 volunteers monitor approximately 35 miles of beach in Sarasota and Manatee Counties to document and monitor sea turtle nesting and reproductive success. Beach monitoring and subsequent conservation activities are completed for contracted work in relation to beach construction activities. Tagging studies of nesting turtles are conducted nightly during the peak nesting season (June and July). Specific contract guidelines from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are fulfilled. Data summaries are submitted to FWC and NMFS. Contact is maintained with numerous local and state biologists working to increase the survival of these marine species.
Job description:
The duties of a Staff Biologist in the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program will primarily involve the following activities, though additional duties may arise:
- Identification of sea turtle crawls by species
- Locating, documenting and marking (via GPS coordinates, stakes, and triangulation) sea turtle nest sites
- Relocating endangered sea turtle nests when necessary
- Responding to depredations, washouts, disorientations and any other events that negatively impact sea turtle nests
- Building and installing predator-proof nest cages/screens
- Monitoring restraining cages during the evening and early morning hours as needed
- Excavating nests to determine hatch success and stage of embryonic death for unhatched eggs
- Rescue and release of hatchlings
- Fulfilling the requirements of an FWC Marine Turtle Permit Holder
- Communication with individuals and organizations affiliated with the STCRP regarding nesting season operations (beach cleaner administration, permit applications, parking permissions, etc.)
- Management and training of Seasonal Biological Technicians, STCRP Interns, and Volunteers in consultation with other members of the STCRP staff
- Participation in the development of protocols and training materials used in the program
- Mote Sea Turtle Patrol website maintenance
- Participation in the planning and execution of STCRP events
- Equipment maintenance and management
- Computer data entry, data compilation and preparation of required reports
- Educating volunteers and the general public on sea turtle biology and conservation
- Assisting with the tagging studies of adult nesting turtles (9pm-5am in June & July) as needed
- Attending regional, state, and national meetings and/or training workshops on sea turtle issues
- Sea turtle stranding and salvage response as needed
Minimum qualifications:
- BS degree in Biology, Zoology, Conservation or Ecology
- Previous experience with marine turtle monitoring
- Valid driver’s license
Knowledge, skills and abilities required:
A Staff Biologist in the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program should have the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:
- Understanding of marine turtle conservation issues (knowledge of beach nourishment project requirements, artificial lighting issues, and predation issues preferred but not required)
- Experience conducting nesting surveys and associated activities
- Computer software proficiency, especially with email, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access (knowledge of Google Earth, SQL, Arc View GIS and ACDSee is also desirable)
- Experience supervising, coordinating, and training personnel
- Familiarity with All Terrain Vehicle operations (ATV) and ability to trailer ATVs
- Capable of working with little or no daily supervision
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Capable of working well under pressure
- Capable of prioritizing work load
- Fast worker/learner
- Able to multitask
- Ability to interact with different personalities in a professional manner
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Capacity to tolerate hot, sandy, buggy, or rainy field conditions
Working Conditions/Hours:
Field work can be strenuous, may require walking long distances in soft sand, and is conducted every morning of the nesting season despite inclement weather. Hot, buggy, sandy, or wet conditions can be expected.
Working hours for this position are flexible, depending upon meeting the necessary monitoring during sea turtle nesting season. This position will require working on a weekend rotation with other staff members. This is a 40 hour per week position, though longer hours may be required during nesting season.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume or CV, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm February 17, 2014 to HumanResources@mote.org. Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
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