28060000 – VM-COMP, DIAG & POP MEDICINE

Biological Scientist II

The Stranding Biologist works directly with the PI and primary partners in the network and helps to facilitate the requirements of the grant program as laid out in the scope of work with NFWF. The UFMAR SBII position is designed to provide   improved organization, taking additional responsibility for the program in   the response and recovery of carcasses of cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles for scientific improvement of the causes of stranding. The incumbent is responsible for communicating and coordinating assistance with the Southeast stranding network and assisting with direct interaction working with NMFS and FWC for live animal stabilization, rescue, and transport with the PI and veterinarians involved. The incumbent also works in partnership with the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and its director, the Cedar Key Dolphin Project, the CMA stranding program, Emerald Coast and GulfWorld stranding programs that are in proximity both north and south of this programs Gulf of Mexico assigned counties. In addition to Levy, Dixie, and Taylor County duties the Stranding Biologist II also coordinates the request for assistance and facilitates UFMAR’s rescue activity for response needs in the regional program.  As a relatively new stranding program on the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), in a unique location with a low human population and little shoreline development the SBII will continue to enhance the building and development of the stranding program with the support of the Stranding Biologist I, local citizens through volunteer recruitment, local personnel, volunteer training and public education/outreach

Duties include but are not limited to:

Management of Stranding Calls

• Response to marine mammal and sea turtle stranding calls, texts, and e-mails incuding those from the public, local volunteers, local law enforcement or FWC regarding possible ill, injured, or deceased marine mammals and sea turtles
  • Incumbent is trained to function as part of a team depending on the event and independently lead the response team regarding rapid communication, follow-up, and initial response with FWC and when appropriate with NMFS. The level of communication on site and coordination may differ with carcasses and live animal. Live animals require additional coordination by the incumber in the decision-making process with federal agencies, involved partners and supervisors involved. Timely management of communication and event management is the responsibility of the incumbent and required between both biologist and supervise to better respond to all levels of live events such as mass strandings, or unusual mortality events to properly place effort and resources. Independent decision making and innovation on site will be required and encouraged though events with potential safety outcomes for people or animals should be discussed immediately by phone whenever possible as part of the education process.
• Manage verification of a marine mammal or sea turtle carcass in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties, carcass recovery of marine mammals for transport to FWC, along with carcass field necropsy organization and execution on site for cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles or if needed transport to UF if determines by the PI.
• Record and disperse findings on designated reports required on each species to appropriate records, and uploading data report findings to appropriate web sites as required.
• Verification, monitoring, rescuing distressed live animals in Levy, Dixie and Taylor counties.
• Coordinate communication between PI or program coordinator, veterinary response personnel, FWC and NMFS for appropriate live animal response. Coordinate initial response and maintain contact with updates to all responsible parties as appropriate.
• Manage the assembly of a rapid response to stabilize the animals along with assembly management for volunteers and responders to assist where needed.
• Manage and arrange transport of live animals to appropriate facilitators.
• Assist veterinary responders in treatments, stabilization, and transport coordination
• Manage drone use to assist in the search, determination of body condition and the rescue of marine species where allowed by local regulations along with federal and state regulations.

Enhance the building of relationships and contacts in the local public in the 3 counties to grow partnerships and cooperation with the program.

• Maintain UF MAR stranding hotline phone, alternating weekend calls with the other stranding biologist and other personnel as needed
• Develop and maintain the program’s public outreach presence including a monthly newsletter.
• Incumbent will initiate, coordinate, and design/develop local meetings with public, local governments, marina, fishing captains, schools and local businesses as needed.

Manage archiving of tissues and guide the use of database applications for all samples and marine mammal parts in conjunction with NMFS, USFWS, and FWC permitting regulations.

• Contribute to data collection to meet standards of NMFS, NFWF, FWC
• Enter required data for NMFS and NFWF into program data base
• Maintain program data base of case, photos, and activities of the program

Lead response with vessel-based operations, when requested by NMFS or FWC, to assist with statewide activities related to manatees or cetaceans.

• Assist in cetacean disentanglement events outside of assigned area in Florida. may assist individual program partners such as CMA, GulfWorld, UF Aquatic Animal Health program, Cedar Key Dolphin Project (dolphin population studies) and the UFtendersglobal.netIFAS Nature Coast Biological Station.
• Assist in wild health assessments of manatees and cetaceans where requested

Compile quarterly grant reports to NFWF

• Assist in budgetary management of the program with the PI
• Review and edit documents related to the program
• Grant writing participation with the program director

Develop training protocol for new staff to include:

• Boat use and trailering capability
• Drone applications and coordination
• Familiarize and develop SBI relationships with partners, public and agencies
• Assign components of reporting programs to familiarize the SBI when not available or out of office
• Assist in training the SBI position in acquisition of skills needed and inclusion with the program partners

Supervise maintenance of equipment, vehicles, vessel, and trailers with regular service and repair including required fuel and maintenance logs for vehicle usage. May need to drive large truck and boat trailer depending on calls received.

$45,600

Master’s degree in biology or a related field with 1 year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree required.

• 3 years’ experience with stranding work (cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles) which can include aquatic species population studies
• Team based work ethic and leadership capabilities
• Interpersonal skills to foster and maintain a professional network of partners, volunteers, and supporters
• CPR and first aid certifications
• Experience with dolphin photo ID
• Working knowledge of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act
• Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal
• Computer skills with data management:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs, preferably including Microsoft Access
• Use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

In order to be considered, you must upload your resume and list of references. 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.