Florida Natural Resource Leadership Institute Alumni Association

We have a job opening for a Senior Biologist in Osceola County (description below).  Please help us to advertise this position by forwarding this message to those who may be interested.  To apply for this job, go to http://www.osceola.org/index.cfm?lsFuses=JobApp/Jobs/Detail&sJobID=PS100866

Osceola County Job Vacancy:

Job Title: SENIOR BIOLOGIST

Department: AGRICULTURAL CENTER

Job ID: PS100866

Job Code: SRBIO

Pay Grade:  10

Overtime Status:  EXEMPT

Salary:  $ 21.58 - $ 31.54 per Hour

Posted Date:  04/01/2009

Closing Date: 05/01/2009

Job Description

Reports To:

EXTENSION OFFICE DIRECTOR

Major Function:

This is a grant funded position with funding from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2010.
To implement biological demonstration components of U.S. EPA grant X7-96433105-1 in coordination with UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Species. To conduct studies and demonstrations to optimize control of two aquatic plants, hydrilla and hygrophila, in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes by evaluating emerging methods of aquatic weed control.

Essential Job Functions:

(Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Coordinate studies and demonstrations in Osceola County in cooperation with a team of UF/IFAS scientists and Osceola County aquatic plant management staff. Assist in assessment, sampling, treatment and monitoring of demonstration and research sites. Assist in data collection, information management, photography, develop spreadsheets and record keeping. Specific duties include locating research sites, ponds, lakes and other locations for possible experimental treatments, collecting point and line transect data to document plant communities, collecting herbicide residue samples, determining hydrilla tuber populations and other duties as assigned. Assistance and training will be provided by scientists and staff from the University of Florida as needed. Safe operation of boats and other watercraft is an essential component of this position. Training in a Coast Guard approve boating course will be required early in the employment period. Activities will be closely supervised by research scientists and staff at the University of Florida until which time the employee can assume greater project responsibilities. This position will be an excellent entry position into the subject area of invasive plant management as the employee will assist in the conduct of relevant research, but gain valuable field operations experience working with the county aquatic weed control personnel and UF Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Work closely with South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Invasive Plants and other agencies involved in aquatic plant management. Make required reports on a regular basis. Make presentations at scientific meetings and public forums. Provide technical assistance to extension personnel in development of educational displays and materials. Maintain a favorable image of Extension in the community. Follow all University of Florida, IFAS, and Osceola County Policies and Procedures. The Senior Biologist will assume other responsibilities as assigned by the County Extension Director and/or District Extension Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to relate well to scientists, stakeholders and other staff. Clear understanding of scientific methods and research procedures. Demonstrated abilities in oral and written communications required. Demonstrate good organizational skills. Must be able to work effectively as a member of the Extension team.
Must be willing to work extra hours on nights and weekends, with some overnight travel required.  

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, or Aquatic Plant Management, Limnology or a related field, from an accredited college or university with field experience in invasive plant/species biology. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Must be proficient in use of Microsoft Office suite of software, internet and e-mail. Prefer experience in aquatic plant research and use of GIS. Possession of a minimum of a valid Class E Driver’s License. Obtain a restricted use pesticide applicators license within 3 months of employment.
Osceola County is located in Central Florida south of Orlando. It is a very diverse and rapidly growing county with approximately 250,000 residents, of which 44,586 are 4-H age children. The successful candidate must complete a physical exam, drug testing and background check required by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.

Physical Demand Requirements:

Physical Demand: Medium
-50 pounds maximum lifting.
- Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 25 lbs.
- Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
- Good eye sight for production or safety of self and others.
- Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
- Good eye sight for production or safety of self and others.
- Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.
- Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.

Apply online at http://www.osceola.org/index.cfm?lsFuses=JobApp/Jobs/Detail&sJobID=PS100866

NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

National Forests in Florida

325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100

Tallahassee, FL  32303

For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact:

                                                                                                                             Denise Rains

                                                                                                           Office:  (850) 523-8568

MEMBERS NEEDED ON ADVISORY COMMITTEE

TALLAHASSEE, March 3, 2009— The Forest Service and five Florida counties are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on a resource advisory committee (RAC) created under the Secure Rural Schools Act reauthorized by Congress in late 2008. 

The proposed RAC covers Marion, Liberty, Wakulla, Baker, and Columbia counties. 

Current vacancies on the Florida RAC include seats representing the following interests listed in the Secure Rural School Act and reauthorized by Congress in 2008:

Under the law, the 15 committee members are divided into three groups, and each member represents a particular set of interests.  Committee members serve four-year terms.

The committee develops and recommends projects that benefit national forest land in the affected counties, monitors the projects, and provides advice to the Forest Service.

Project examples include environmental awareness camps, road paving in campgrounds, non-native invasive plant control, reducing hazardous fuel buildup, and purchasing equipment and supplies to support work.  Project funding can also be used to leverage grant dollars and collaboration with partners, such as federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations.

The Florida committee will have about $220,000 to work with in this coming year.

“We’re looking for people with energy and commitment to the long-term benefit of our national forests, who also are interested in working with a diverse array of interests represented on the committee,” said Susan Matthews, Forest Supervisor, for the three National Forests in Florida.

The Secure Rural Schools law gives states and counties payments for the next four years, tied to the amount of national forest land in the county and other factors.  Counties designate a portion of the funds to projects reviewed by the RAC.

Any Florida resident interested in serving on the committee must complete an application form that will be used for a required background check. 

Applications are available online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/.  Printed, signed applications are due by the end of March. 

Mail them to Denise Rains, Attn: Florida RAC, Forest Service, 325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303. 

There is no pay for committee members, but they can be reimbursed for travel expenses to meetings.

For more information, call Denise Rains, the National Forests in Florida public affairs officer, at (850) 523-8568, or email her at drains@fs.fed.us, or visit  http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/.

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