Job Description
Job Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE : Sea Turtle Conservation Program Biologist-Seasonal Associate
DEPARTMENT : Sea Turtle Conservation Program
REPORTS TO : Sea Turtle Conservation Program Supervisor
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT : Non-Exempt
PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT : Seasonal (April 1st-October 31st), Full-time
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES :
This is a seasonal position that coincides with the Pinellas county Florida nesting season. Although this is a full time position, no additional benefits will be granted during the seasonal time of employment (401k, PTO, additional benefits, etc.).
The Sea Turtle Conservation Program-Associate Biologist will support the completion of all activities as listed in the Marine Turtle Permit held by Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The incumbent will adhere to all policies outlined in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) Employee Handbook, CMA Sea Turtle Conservation Program Manual, and all city, state and federal regulations in a collaborative effort to complete FWC-authorized activities each sea turtle nesting season. The primary responsibility of this position is to contribute to the completion and documentation of sea turtle nesting surveys, including, but not limited to, locating evidence of all nocturnal and daytime nesting activity, nest marking, monitoring and evaluations within the survey area, and for regulatory projects, as they may apply, during the seasonal nesting season (April-October). The incumbent will also contribute to regular data entry and maintenance. The incumbent will be responsible for maintenance and storage of equipment, maintaining supply inventories, and communicating needs to the Supervisor. They will also be responsible for regular vehicle maintenance and cleanliness. Regular tasks may also include educating internal and external customers, public speaking, and participating in PR promotions. These job responsibilities will require the Biologist to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :
- Assist with the daily completion of sea turtle nesting surveys within the survey area in compliance with FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, city, state and federal laws, and CMA policies (April-October)
- Work with authorized personnel to complete all aspects of nesting surveys, including, but not limited to :
Identify and document all sea turtle nesting activities within the survey area
Mark all nest sitesDocument all evidence of predation, human disturbance and nest hatchingEnter all data into Excel databaseOnce surveys are complete, communicate with municipal entities in a professional manner to allow mechanical beach cleaning to occurConduct nest evaluationsWork within the regulations of beach re-nourishment from the FWCAssess and document all obstructed nesting attempts, and submit appropriate forms to FWCConduct weekly escarpment surveysAssess and document all disorientation events, and submit appropriate forms to FWCEnsure the safe release of, or transport of hatchlings found within the survey area, as instructed by Supervisor, Senior Biologist and FWCAssist with proper night monitoring of nests outfitted with restraining cages, silt screens, or any additional protection measures, as approved by FWCAssisting with response to and documentation of sea turtle stranding events within the survey areaAssist with accurate data collection and database managementAssist with the completion of weekly escarpment surveysAssist with the completion of all required reports by deadlines identified in the FWC Marine Turtle Permit, FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, and any contracts with Pinellas County or for regulatory projectsAssist with the training of volunteers and interns to locate, identify and document all sea turtle nesting activity within the survey area, to include pre-season and during-season trainingAssist with the preparation of, and participate in, various educational outreach opportunitiesAssist with the inventory and storage of all equipment and supplies needed for the Sea Turtle Conservation ProgramResponsible for the safe operation of CMA vehicles while on the beach, and traveling to and from CMAAssist with vehicle cleaning, maintenance, service transport and completion of vehicle inspectionsUnderstand, enforce, and assist with the improvement of all standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the Sea Turtle Conservation ProgramAssist with research projects as neededAssist with the implementation of money generating programs involving the Sea Turtle Conservation ProgramAssist various CMA departments by providing information for various media outlets, both in-house (CMA Facebook, blogposts, etc.) and for external outlets (TV, print, radio, etc.)Must pass basic swim test annuallyPerform other duties as neededADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS :
Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and an ability to comfortably interact with the public on a regular basisBe able to maintain positive working relationships with all internal and external entities, including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, interns, and municipal, county, state and federal employees at all timesCapable of working in a high stress work environmentExperience with data entry and maintenanceBasic knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, Power point and OutlookAbility to work flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidaysExperience with the safe operation of four-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehiclesStrong time management skills, with an ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks at onceBe adaptable in a fast-paced environmentSelf-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethicBe able to work independently, as well as in a group settingEDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS :
Possess, or be in the process of earning, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or related fieldMust have a minimum of one season of experience, paid or unpaid, performing sea turtle nesting surveys in FloridaPreference may be given to candidates who have paid sea turtle nesting survey experiencePreference may be given to candidates who have documented multiple species of sea turtlesMust know and understand the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation HandbookMust possess a valid driver’s licensePHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - FrequentlyLift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Moderate FrequencyWalk / stand for long periods of time - FrequentlyManeuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - FrequentlySafely climb ladders when needed – Low FrequencySquat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - FrequentlyReach above the shoulders - FrequentlyPush and pull larger equipment – FrequentlyWork outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – FrequentlyWork indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – FrequentlyIn good physical condition, with an ability to work long hours in extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, heat, high humidity, direct sunlight, rain, wind and outdoor conditions (insects, sand, etc.). - FrequentlyAble to ride on an ATV and drive vehicles in unexpected terrain for extended periods of time. - Frequently