Organization: Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Research Institute

Position: Research Assistant, $29,224/annually

Location: Brevard County, requiring extensive travel to other areas of Florida

Application Process:
Apply for this position through the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=17869&clientkey=ACEBE78A76290C9FE9C1DC934A5E82A6

Closing Date: June 18, 2021

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to assist research staff with field observations and data collection of satellite tagged rehabilitated, released manatees. The ideal candidate should be a self-starter, detail oriented, flexible, readily able to adapt to change, and comfortable working independently without close supervision. In being selected for this position, you will become part of a project which helps naïve, previously injured or sick manatees become integrated into the wild population. In addition to helping the manatee population recover, this is a unique opportunity to observe manatee behavior in the wild under guidance of wildlife biologists.

Primary responsibilities will be to help track, monitor, assess and document the behavior of tagged manatees that are involved in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership/Post-Release Monitoring Project. Duties include but are not limited to boat trailering, operating vessels, swimming, equipment maintenance, data entry and timely communication with staff and other project partners.

This is a benefit salary position, 40 hours a week, requires applicant to have the availability to work early mornings or late afternoons and the occasional weekend if monitoring activity or animal intervention is necessary. Applicant should be geographically located in the Titusville-Melbourne or central Florida area with a focused study area along the east coast of Florida near Brevard County and lower St. Johns River near Orange City, Volusia County. Travel to other areas of the state will be required based on animal movements or project needs. Position will require applicant to travel extensively within Florida using a fleet or a personal vehicle. Private vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate out of designated living area.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
– Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science)
– Proficient boat handler in open-water and ability to trailer a boat under intense traffic conditions
– Basic mechanical skills and ability to troubleshoot simple mechanical and electrical vehicle/vessel problems
– Proficient snorkeler with ability to swim in dark or turbid water
– Valid driver’s license, a good driving history and possess own form of transportation
– Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment
– Computer proficiency; Microsoft Excel, WORD; ArcGIS
– Working knowledge of SLR and video digital cameras, filters and lenses
– Comfortable with learning new technology and computer applications
– Previous radio tracking experience preferred but not essential
– Excellent communication skills and ability to work comfortably with multiple organizations
– Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented
– Ability to adapt and modify plans on a need basis or as required with short notice
– Timely submission of reports, expense accounting and verbal updates