Avian Biologist: multiple species

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II – OPS Position

$23.42/hr 

1105 SW Williston Rd

Gainesville, FL

Our organization: The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; OR a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences.

Preferred Qualifications: Professional field experience working with imperiled bird species in terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems. Extensive experience identifying birds by sight and sound, from migratory passerines to wintering shorebirds. Extensive experience handling and banding birds, radio tracking birds, and resighting color-banded birds. Experience using geographic information systems (GIS) and managing data. Experience towing and operating outboard boats & ATVs.

Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 

Position Overview and Responsibilities: The State of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) seeks a biologist to assist with ongoing research and monitoring projects for a variety of Florida's imperiled non-game avian species and associated habitats. The biologist will assist with demographic and movement studies of Southeastern American kestrels, wading birds and shorebirds, Florida scrub-jays, sandhill cranes, and other species as needed. The successful candidate will collect, enter, and maintain data, assist with the data analysis, and prepare reports, tables, and figures. They will also direct volunteers and OPS seasonal field technicians, and coordinate with researchers and partners. The candidate may operate and coordinate the maintenance of vehicles, outboard motorboats, airboats, and ATVs as necessary for fieldwork. The candidate will also participate in public outreach events and interact with public. Some overnight and weekend travel is required. The position will be based out of Gainesville, Florida.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (1) Ability to identify birds by sight and sound, (2) Experience surveying, monitoring, and VHF/GPS tracking a range of avian species, (3) Experience trapping, handling, banding, and VHF/GPS tagging birds, (4) Ability to establish and maintain working relationships, including multiple researchers with sometimes overlapping needs, (5) Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word; familiarity with ArcGIS, R, and Microsoft Access, (6) Familiarity with Movebank and other platforms for managing animal tracking data, (7) Ability to work independently in difficult field conditions, (8) Ability to communicate scientific results via written outlets, (9) ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, and (10) ability to use GPS equipment and nest cameras

Where to apply: Apply through People First https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/832729/  and please include a CV and a cover letter. Applications will be accepted by Oct 6, 2024. Please contact Caroline Poli (Caroline.Poli@myfwc.com) with any questions.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.