Coastal job available: Oyster reef monitoring technician

About the job

Oyster beds off of the coast of Cedar Key, Florida. Seafood, fishing, Gulf of Mexico. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.

Temporary OPS field technician positions are available to help with monitoring activities associated with the Lone Cabbage Reef oyster restoration project. The position involves assisting the research coordinator and graduate students with extensive field work associated with characterizing oyster populations and water quality, sample processing, data collection/entry, equipment maintenance, and other tasks associated with monitoring oyster reef ecosystems. Based on skills and interest, additional tasks maybe assigned to the position to assist other research projects at the Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS).

The employee must be able to commute between two work locations: (1) the NCBS located in Cedar Key, FL as well as (2) the University of Florida’s main campus in Gainesville, FL. The primary location of office/data entry tasks is flexible between the two work locations dependent on the employee’s residence and commute options. Carpooling to Gainesville and/or Cedar Key may be an option.

Timeline and other details

Start Date: September 21, 2020

End Date: March 31, 2021, though some extension may be possible.

Hours: Flexible/OPS. 30 hours per week maximum, occasionally less. Fieldwork will often require full-day commitments and could occur during weekend and holiday periods due to optimal tides required to access field sites. Non-field work will primarily occur during normal business hours.

Pay rate: $12-15 hourly rate depending on experience. This is an OPS appointment with no benefits.

More information

We have an opening for an employee to provide general assistance with field and laboratory activities as part of a multi-year project restoring oyster reefs north of Cedar Key, FL. This is a chance to join a multidisciplinary team monitoring the effects of a large scale estuarine restoration project.

The Nature Coast Biological Station is a facility that builds on the long history of UF/IFAS research, teaching, and extension programs in the Nature Coast region. UF/IFAS has an extensive track record of working with agency cooperators to improve the conservation and management of natural resources and communities in the region. The success of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station’s academic and research programs is sustained through genuine dialogue among faculty, staff, and students with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. We strive to create an open, inclusive, and equitable environment for all employees.

Qualifications

NCBS Intern Samantha Tiffany sorts specimens in the lab

Minimum qualifications: High School diploma, previous field experience working in natural resource positions. Must be eligible to work for the University of Florida.

Preferred qualifications: Undergraduate or graduate education, an interest in wildlife, fisheries, ecology, biology, data science, or geography. Experience operating/trailering trucks/boats in coastal environments is strongly preferred. Experience conducting field research, managing data, and maintaining scientific equipment is a plus. Must be able to work for long periods in adverse, physically demanding conditions (heat, cold, wet, mud) and be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. A positive attitude and attention to safety in the field is essential.

This position will require very high attention to detail and collecting/entering data following strict protocols for different types of field studies. A commitment to collaborative learning and best data management practices is essential. Operational knowledge of the Microsoft Office Program Suite is also essential.

How to Apply

If interested please assemble a packet including (1) a letter describing your background and interests in this project (including why you would be a good member of our team), (2) short resume which highlights applicable skills, training and GPA, (3) statement of availability to work from September 21, 2020 to March 31, 2021, (4) contact information for three references. Send this packet as a single pdf to Bradley Ennis at bmegator@ufl.edu with the words “LCR Field Technician” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin as received.

Application closing date: September 4, 2020

More at: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/514343/ops-field-technician

0


Posted: July 31, 2020


Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Research, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Applied Research, Cedar Key, Coastal Habitat, Coastal Systems, Fisheries, Florida Sea Grant, InsideNatureCoast, Living Shoreline, Oysters, Research, Restoration, Suwannee River, Water Quality


Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories