This position provides technical support for the manatee photo-identification project.
The successful candidate will be responsible for matching images to known manatees; facilitating matching manatees between partner organizations and regions of the state; entering, editing, and verifying data; maintaining project databases; sketching manatee scar patterns from images; labeling, sorting, and tagging (categorizing) images; creating and updating written procedures; managing, organizing, and archiving slide, print, and digital manatee photo-identification records and associated datasheets; providing summary information and data to managers as needed; and assisting with the implementation of an integrated multi-agency Manatee Individual Photo-identification (MIPS) database. Additional responsibilities include independently collecting manatee-related photographic, spatial, environmental, genetic, and behavioral data from shore, in-water, and from watercraft (field work emphasis will be in the east central region of Florida but may include state-wide travel); assisting with field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel, purchasing, organization, and maintenance; and other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. This position is primarily lab-based but does include field work.
Salary
$18.00 per hour
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences.
Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities:
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems
- Experience in photo-identification techniques (data collection and management of photo-identification data)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, scanning software, and image management software
- Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.)
- Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including digital SLR cameras
- Skilled in problem-solving and visual spatial reasoning
- Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment
- Ability to perform detail-oriented work in an organized manner
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Ability to swim with sufficient skill to perform in-water research
- Ability to maintain a U.S. driver’s license
