Natural Heritage Biologist

Department

Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI)

Responsibilities

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) at Florida State University is looking for an entry level field biologist whose primary responsibilities will be conducting zoological field surveys. Work will include LTDS gopher tortoise surveys, reptile and amphibian inventory surveys, small mammal trapping surveys, and camera trapping for reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The selected candidate may also assist with other FNAI projects including rare plant and animal surveys, avian inventory surveys, vegetation monitoring, and natural (vegetative) community mapping, as their abilities permit. This position requires extensive travel (up to 90%) and field work in remote locations across Florida throughout the year.

• Assist with line transect distance sampling (LTDS) surveys for gopher tortoises.
• Assist with sampling for reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
• Assist with other field research as skills permit.
• Ascertain presence and identify animals in camera trap images.
• Assist with installation/maintenance/decontamination of field equipment.
• Assist with preparation of written reports and participate in meetings as necessary.
• Enter and quality control field data, in addition to other office duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience or a combination of post high school and experience equal to five years.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to start work as soon as possible!
• Experience with natural community and habitat interpretation from aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and soil surveys.
• Working knowledge of common native and invasive plants of Florida.
• Working knowledge of commensal species commonly encountered in gopher tortoise burrows.
• Working knowledge of mammal species native to Florida
• Well-developed knowledge of reptile and amphibian species native to Florida and/or the southeastern US.
• Excellent physical condition (able to hike for most of a 10-hr day through a variety of habitats in any weather).
• Ability to safely conduct rigorous field work using standard field equipment including 4x4 vehicles and sometimes boats.
• Experience/interest in primitive camping during field work (camping on site during the cooler months allows FNAI staff to make good use of daylight in areas where hotels are far away).
• Willingness to travel frequently (potentially as much as 90% for some periods), drive long distances, and work long days (averaging 10 hrs.).
• At least two years of coursework in biological sciences, or equivalent training and experience.
• Ability to communicate well in person and in writing.
• Ability to work well with FNAI staff scientists.
• Good organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to conservation goals.
• Experience or familiarity with personal computers, databases, GPS, and GIS.

Other Information

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) is Floridas Natural Heritage Program and state member of the NatureServe network. We are housed within the Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center at Florida State University . FNAI maintains a spatial database of information on Floridas rarest species and conservation lands and works on an array of applied research projects to inform conservation and land management decisions. Our funding is provided by contracts and grants from state and federal agency partners.

Contact Info

For questions, or more information, contact Frank Price, FNAI Director or Tyler DeVos, FNAI Research Zoologist.

University Information

One of the nations elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

$41,000

FSU Total Rewards

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Veterans Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans Preference, select "yes" to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for Veterans' Preference eligibility requirements and Veterans' Preference required documentation (PDF), or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

Considerations

This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position requires frequent travel (potentially as much as 90% for some periods), driving long distances, and working long days (averaging 10 hrs.).

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.