Job Description

Classification Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Job Description:
This position will be expected to use their expertise to contribute to accomplish the goals of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (NCAP) and adjacent Aquatic Preserves (see https://floridadep.gov/NatureCoastAP). Specifically, this position will be expected to:


Conduct research on natural resource monitoring such as monthly water quality and annual seagrass monitoring program for NCAP. Includes field tasks such as operating outboard vessels and airboats, trailering vessels, and driving to field stations. Includes lab tasks such as preparing sampling equipment, calibrating probes, maintaining equipment in good working order, keeping supplies stocked, and conducting spectrophotometric analyses. Must ensure that staff and students follow field and lab procedures in accordance with established SOPs. Search scientific literature to refine procedures for research objectives. Modify existing or create new field and lab procedures to meet contract deliverables. Will be required to drive to research sites.

Prepares the documentation and reporting tasks such as entering data according to appropriate format and QA/QC plans. Participate in the preparation of monthly field logs, quarterly reports, and data summaries.

Participate in additional tasks related to the NCAP management plan such as stakeholder education and communication, marine debris cleanups, additional grant-funded field programs such as seagrass RESTORE collections and SCAR MAPS sampling, and similar events.



Expected Salary:
Commensurate with education and experience.



Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience.

Valid Florida driver's license

Preferred:
(1) Experience operating airboats
(2) Snorkeling/SCUBA diving experience
(3) Two years of research experience in marine and estuarine ecosystems.
(4) Knowledge of scientific methods including experimental design, data collection, and statistical and/or spatial analyses, especially for applied management applications.
(5) Experience in both field and laboratory-oriented procedures, especially those relevant to water quality and benthic habitat sampling in shallow water (e.g., outboard motor and airboat operation, instrument calibration, seagrass transect and quadrat experience).
(6) High-level communication skills, both oral and written.