NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist

About the Role

The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist plays a crucial role in cetacean stranding preparedness, field responses, necropsies, data collection, project management, reporting, and grant funding. This position requires exceptional flexibility and adaptability, including availability before and after regularly scheduled shifts to assist with unpredictable events such as cetacean strandings and network collaborations. The role involves being on call up to three evenings per week to field public reports, frequent travel, and abrupt changes to work schedules and priorities. Field responses, necropsies, and post-event responsibilities may require changes to regularly scheduled days off and occasional overtime hours if reducing office hours within the same week is impossible. Overtime must be approved by management.

The primary focus is on cetacean stranding events and research, with up to 10% of hours available for manatee fieldwork. Per grant conditions, this position does not support the rehabilitation of marine mammals or work related to other wildlife such as sea turtles or birds. However, the role may include hands-on experience and training through periodic handling and examination of rehabilitating or resident marine mammals to improve stranding response efforts.

Responsibilities

• Operate stranding response equipment including heavy-duty pickup trucks with hydrolytic lift systems, a Freightliner box truck with extended cab and air brakes, 17 ft and 24 ft Carolina skiffs, 23 ft Dorado V-Hull, and a 28 ft custom boat with a center-mounted outboard motor.
• Recover all cetacean carcasses within CMA’s coverage area promptly to increase the quantity and quality of data and sample collection.
• Perform thorough necropsies as the lead examiner within 12 hours of recovery of code 2 and 3 cetacean carcasses following the GoMEX sample collection checklist.
• Coordinate internally and externally to rapidly respond to live cetacean stranding events, which may occur on holidays and outside regularly scheduled shifts.
• Ensure efficient and well-organized stranding response efforts through tasks such as personnel and community stakeholder training, volunteer management, and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Teach stranding response and necropsy procedures to associate biologists, interns, and volunteers.
• Draft reports, label photos, and submit tissue samples within three weeks of necropsies.
• Manage data and sample collection, documentation, storage, and submissions.
• Monitor CMA's emergency stranding hotline and field reports during on-call shifts.
• Lead up-to-date stranding response workshops for volunteers, interns, first responder groups, and community stakeholders.
• Manage internal databases for field responses, necropsies, and biological samples.
• Participate in filming and media events, including giving interviews and appearing on camera.
• Write and edit grant proposals.
• Clean and organize the cetacean necropsy trailer and cold room.
• Produce high-quality, professionally written work, including standard operating procedures, technical reports, and other relevant materials.
• Maintain network partner relationships through communication and collaboration.
• Oversee a comprehensive internship program.
• Participate in outreach events, networking, and public interactions that may require travel.
• Participate in and facilitate research projects.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a related discipline from an accredited college/university is preferred.
• Minimum of four years combined relevant professional experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs.
• Experience operating watercraft vessels and trailering.
• Experience driving medium-sized box trucks.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent time management, organization, and data entry skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and function well under pressure.
• Valid Florida driver's license.
• SCUBA Certification is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift up to 50 lbs. to waist level.
• Frequently lift up to 20 lbs. to shoulders and above head.
• Frequently walk and stand for long periods.
• Frequently maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces.
• Moderate frequency of safely climbing ladders when needed.
• Frequently squat, bend, kneel, twist, and reach.
• Frequently reach above the shoulders.
• Frequently push and pull larger equipment.
• Frequently work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather.
• Frequently work indoors under cover without air conditioning or heat.
• Occasionally work extended daily hours, overnight, and up to 60 hours per week.