The Marsh Ecology Research Unit of the Everglades Systems Assessment Section seeks a wetland ecologist to join a multi-disciplinary team assessing the effectiveness of restoration activities on Everglades ecosystem recovery. Specific responsibilities will be divided between field (35%), laboratory (35%), and data management, analysis, and project management (30%). Applicant will coordinate and conduct field and laboratory support for monitoring activities in Everglades Water Conservation Areas.

Specific responsibilities will include the following: collection of hydrologic and physical parameters using velocimeters (fixed and portable) and field probes (e.g., depth transducers, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen), including deployment, downloading, and maintenance; water quality sampling including grab sampling and autosamplers; field collection and post-processing of soil and benthic sediments using corers and advected sediments using horizontal and vertical traps (in marsh and canal habitats), including post-processing for chemical analyses; field surveys, biomass collection and taxonomic identification of ridge and slough vegetation (macrophytes, algae, periphyton), including destructive harvesting for nutrient analysis; field assessments of fauna abundance, taxonomic identification, and fauna growth studies; data management tasks, including data entry, QA/QC, creating and updating SOPs, and compliance with District QA/QC guidance and protocols.

Additional tasks include synthesis activities such as statistically analyzing data, technical report writing and leading or collaborating on scientific manuscripts; managing scientific contracts; managing the Everglades Section vehicles, and airboat operation instruction.

Employment Guidelines:
A Bachelor’s Degree (MS preferred) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related subject with at least 2+ years' relevant experience in wetlands.

The candidate must possess a good understanding of Everglades wetland ecology, including wetland plant and fauna identification.

Strong laboratory and field skills (sampling via airboat and helicopter), experience with the use and operation of analytical instruments and strong written and oral skills are required.

Candidates should have experience with statistical analyses (including regression, ANOVA and multi-variate analysis) and writing concise summaries of results.

The candidate must be proficient with PC-based word processing, spreadsheet and graphics software, and statistical software (R, JMP and Primer preferred).

Licensure:
Valid State of Florida Driver’s License required.

Candidate must be a certified airboat operator, with extensive experience driving and trailering airboats. Additionally, candidate must be able to obtain a Certified Instructor status within a few week after hire.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment:
This position requires a combination of field related work (35%), laboratory related work (35%) & office related work (30%).

The referenced field work necessitates regular exposure to a hot and humid environment in remote and heavy vegetated wetland environments. Additionally, there is exposure to stinging/biting insects, snakes, and alligators.

Candidate must possess ability to conduct research via helicopter and airboat. Candidate must also be experienced with GPS navigation in remote/unknown areas and be able to consistently lift weight greater than 40lbs.

Veterans’ Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.

$46,987.20

$55,848.00

WR4304351 Marsh Ecology Unit

$80,516.80