Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:22:40 -0500
From: “Ruzicka, Rob” <Rob.Ruzicka@MyFWC.com>
Subject: [Coral-List] Two Seasonal Research Opportunities with the
Florida Fish & Wildlife Coral Program
To: “coral-list@coral.aoml.noaa.gov” <coral-list@coral.aoml.noaa.gov>
Message-ID:
<D679AB09BFE3074C8D3961B08B99F96535DF2B6258@FWC-TLEX10.fwc.state.fl.us>

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The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWC/FWRI) Coral Program is seeking two highly motivated candidates to assist with research and monitoring operations for the upcoming 2015 field season.  These positions provide a wonderful opportunity to acquire a wide array of field experience by working on multiple research projects with a team of dedicated scientists.  Full details about the position description, eligibility requirements, working for FWC/FWRI, and instructions on how to apply can be found at https://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?optlink-view=view-780021&ERFormID=newjoblist&ERFormCode=any

JOB DESCRIPTION: Serve as a seasonal employee for the coral reef research team during the summer field season of 2015 (May 1 thru August 31). The prospective employee will primarily be working as a team member for the Coral Reef Evaluation & Monitoring Project (CREMP) but will also assist with a variety of coral funded research projects. The employee will participate in variety of data collection efforts to assess the condition, status, and abundance of scleractinian corals and other benthic taxa at monitoring sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Dry Tortugas National Park. The prospective employee will utilize standard operating protocols to complete scleractinian and gorgonian demographic assessments, juvenile coral survivorship surveys, photographing long-term transects, organizing acquired image datasets, and coral restoration and outplanting activities. Data collected will be electronically entered into coral database in a timely manner. Assist CREMP a
nd the coral research team in the mobilization and demobilization for field operations. Maintain proficiency as Fish and Wildlife Research Institute diver, including advanced SCUBA and NITROX capabilities according to AAUS standards. Assist in the safe operation of Institute research vessels. Assist in maintenance of diving, field, safety and laboratory equipment. Participate in training for additional field studies when required. Travel expenses will be paid or reimbursed.

MINIMUM CRITERIA: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Must be American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) certified and have NITROX certification.

PREFERRED CRITERIA: Preference may be given to candidates with demonstrated proficiency in the ability to identify scleractinian corals and associated coral reef taxa and those that currently meet AAUS diving requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Knowledge of marine biology and/or ecology, marine benthic taxonomy; principles of SCUBA diving and 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 using computer software programs, skill in basic use of marine navigation and electronics equipment, demonstrated skill in seamanship, skill in SCUBA diving and underwater navigation, demonstrated organizational and communication skills and ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner. 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, abilit
y to lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs., ability to endure long work hours and extensive periods of time in the field, ability to make in situ species identifications, and ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.

SALARY: $10 – $12/hr, depending on experience. This is a seasonal position with employment dates of May 1 – August 31, 2015. The positions are located in St. Petersburg, FL.
Rob Ruzicka
Coral Program
Fish & Wildlife Research Institute
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
100 8th Ave SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Email: rob.ruzicka@myfwc.com<mailto:rob.ruzicka@myfwc.com>
http://research.myfwc.com/