Field Biologist

FNAI has an opening for an entry level field biologist who would like to learn and grow with us as our program continues to expand. This is a full time position with university benefits. The ad closes 1 Aug so apply soon for full consideration! A start date in early to mid September is preferred.

Department

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) is Florida’s Natural Heritage Program and a state member of the NatureServe network. We are housed within the Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center at Florida State University. FNAI maintains a spatial database of information on Florida’s rarest species and conservation lands and works on an array of applied research projects to inform conservation and land management decisions. Our funding is provided by contracts and grants with state and federal agency partners. Our office is off campus in Midtown, which is centrally located near shops, restaurants, and historic neighborhoods. The larger Tallahassee region offers many outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Apalachicola National Forest and a number of coastal parks and refuges within a short drive from town.

Florida Natural Areas Inventory

Responsibilities

• Complete surveys for invasive plant species to assist in the delineation of treatment projects and the development of management plans.
• Occasionally assist with monitoring conservation easements and a variety of conservation-focused botanical, zoological, and ecological projects depending on capabilities.
• Gather and process field data, prepare reports, attend meetings, and perform other duties necessary to complete projects under the direction of the Senior Botanist and other project leads.
• Travel extensively (up to 90%) to conduct fieldwork in remote locations across Florida throughout the year.
• Prepare maps using ArcGIS, process field data, analyze spatial and tabular data, and prepare written documents on findings suitable for agency reports or publications.
• Assist in the completion of the contract and grant proposals and technical reports upon project completion.
• Attend meetings and workshops relevant to the performance of the position.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biological Sciences
• Minimum of one year experience collecting biological field data.
• Ability to safely conduct rigorous fieldwork using standard field equipment including 4×4 vehicles and sometimes boats.
• Working knowledge of common native and invasive plants of Florida or the southeast.
• Experience/interest in primitive camping during fieldwork (camping on-site during the cooler months allows FNAI staff to make good use of daylight in areas where hotels are far away). 
• A commitment to FNAI’s conservation goals.
• Knowledge of conservation easements – establishment, associated land use restrictions, monitoring procedures, etc.
• Familiarity with conservation land management practices
• Experience with personal computers, databases, GPS, and GIS.
• Experience with natural community and habitat interpretation from aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and soil surveys.
• Experience using dichotomous keys.
• Ability to communicate well in person and in writing.
• Ability to work well with FNAI staff scientists.
• Good organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as be part of a team and meet deadlines.

Contact Info

Frank Price, FNAI Director – [email protected]

University Information

One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Low $40,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at:

https://jobs.omni.fsu.edu/psc/sprdhr_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=58185&PostingSeq=1

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Veterans’ Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans’ Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans’ Preference, select “yes” to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans’ Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for eligibility information and required documentation,  or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

Considerations

This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position requires frequent travel during the workweek (potentially as much as 90% for some periods), driving long distances, and working long days (averaging 10 hrs.). 

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. 

FSU’s Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.