CMARI Field Assistant (NE)

POSITION TITLE: Field Assistant

REPORTS TO: Senior Research Scientist

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-exempt

PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: $16/hr, 25hrs per week; no benefits

POSITION LOCATION: Northeast Florida

APPLICATION LINK:

CLOSING DATE: March 1, 2024

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

The position will be geographically located in the northeast Florida area with the focused study area along the northeast and central waterbodies of Florida and eastern Georgia. The part-time position will focus on working two full work days a week out of the office to travel to other areas of the state based on animal movements or project needs. The primary responsibilities of this position are to radio track, monitor, assess and document the behavior of tagged manatees and to photo identify and document individual manatees. 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. The position will require travel extensively within Florida and Georgia using a fleet or a personal vehicle. Private vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate out of designated living area. The position will also provide updates to various partners through verbal and written reports, updating website and social media.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must have skillset and ability to launch and trailer a boat safely and efficiently
• Conduct project manatee monitoring observations using radio tracking equipment via boat and land access at designated locations
• Collect manatee behavior and obtain adequate photo-documentation of manatees for individual identification and preliminary body condition using a polarized digital camera or GoPro
• Assess manatee overall condition and conduct in-water manatee body condition assessments as needed
• Collect data to include environmental conditions (specific site location water temperatures, sea state, weather conditions, etc.)
• Submit data and photos by the close of each observation day; submit datasheets weekly
• Process data via Microsoft Excel, Word and ArcGIS
• Provide processed data files and produce written reports as needed
• Update project website and provide photos/story tags for other social media outlets
• Participate in health assessment captures and rescues
• Responsible for routine maintenance and repair of field equipment
• Responsible for assigned truck and vessel record keeping and maintenance
• Communicate professionally with other project partners and assist with additional tasks as required and/or assigned by the supervisor

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor Degree in Biology, related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science), Captain’s license, and/or equivalent experience required.
• Boat trailering experience preferred.
• Proficient at deploying and safely maneuvering vessels in open-water conditions as well as reloading small vessels independently
• Proficient at trailering vessels under intense traffic conditions
• Basic mechanical skills and ability to troubleshoot simple mechanical and electrical vehicle/vessel problems
• Proficient snorkeler with experience swimming in dark or turbid water
• Experienced kayaker with an ability to perform reentry into the kayak in open water
• Experience with Microsoft office suite
• Experience in ArcGIS data entry, analysis and map production

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment - frequently
• Ability to work in intense environmental conditions heat, humidity, and rain - frequently
• Ability to perform moderate impact physical activities such as kayaking and swimming - frequently
• Ability to maintain a visual focus and scan the visual environment frequently
• Strong tolerance to working on a continuous motion-based water platform such as a boat - frequently
• Ability to pass a swim test - occasionally

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required. All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view theNotice of E-Verify Participationand theNotice of Right to Work.