Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I (Other Personal Service)
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Position is responsible for data collection for several field projects on endangered Florida bonneted bats (Eumops floridanus) and other bat species in South Florida. This research aims to assess the effects of large-scale hydrological restoration of wetlands, characterize roost and foraging habitat preferences, track movement patterns, and refine methods used to study Florida bonneted bats. The results of these studies will directly inform management and conservation strategies for this rare and federally endangered species and contribute to an understanding of bat community response to ecological restoration efforts. Position will work in several protected areas in south Florida including: Picayune Strand State Forest, Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Avon Park Air Force Range. Use of a 4wd vehicle, ATV/UTV, swamp buggy and/or kayak will be necessary to access remote sites, in addition to access by foot. Data collection is the primary duty, but opportunities may exist for well-qualified persons to contribute to study design, initiate additional research, analyze data, and contribute to internal reports and peer-reviewed publications.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Position is responsible for working with the project principal investigator, a master’s student and other project biologists to: 1- deploy acoustic bat detectors and analyze acoustic data, 2 - capture bats with mist nets, 3 – locate bat roosts via ground and aerial radio-telemetry, 4 – conduct vegetation surveys, 5 – count bats at roosts, and 6 - collect wing biopsies for genetic analysis. Position is also responsible for recording and compiling all data collected and providing written updates on research progress as directed. Applicants must be able to carry-out extensive field work in forested and wetland conditions in south Florida. Must be physically fit and comfortable hiking and working in hot, wet and potentially inclement weather, alone or with a team. Experience in bat capture/handling, acoustic analysis, plant species identification, and/or conducting field-work on other species in S. Florida is desired. Experience with MS Excel is required. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills.
Classification: Full time Position
Agency/Organization: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Section/Subsection: Wildlife Research/Terrestrial Mammal Research
Start Date: 03 January 2021
End Date: 30 September 2021 (with possibility for extension)
Hourly Rate: $14 – 15 DOE
Level of education required: B.S. degree in the biological sciences
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Valid driver license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of wildlife ecology principles and techniques; mammalian population biology and conservation, and data collection methods. Skills in the safe and proper use of scientific and field equipment, including 4-wheel-drive and off-road vehicles; techniques for capturing or monitoring of wild mammals; use of computers and standard computer programs and software. Ability to: Cooperatively and independently collect scientific data; work with FWC staff and other agencies, biologists, managers and private citizens to implement conservation actions; work independently in extreme field conditions and isolated locations; work a variable schedule to complete tasks and responsibilities as required; maintain a valid driver's license; perform routine administrative duties.
