Position Announcement
OPS Research Biological Science Technician, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida
The Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants at the University of Florida is seeking a Biological Science Technician to conduct research on Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) biology, ecology, and management in south and central Florida. This is a grant funded, non-permanent position with a minimum duration of three to five years.
Location: The home location of the position is somewhat negotiable and may be in south Florida between Fort Pierce and Fort Lauderdale. However, there is potentially housing available at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge at a significantly reduced rental cost.
Description of duties: Old World climbing fern (OWCF) is one of the most significant invasive plant threats in Florida and research is needed to assist land managers to effectively address the problem. The successful applicant will work throughout south and central Florida to coordinate, implement, and manage research studies on OWCF on public and private lands. This will include, but is not limited to, uplands, wetlands, swamps, and tree island sites that are often remote and difficult to access. The work environment is a combination of office, greenhouse, and field work, with regular exposure to a hot and humid environment in remote areas, with exposure to stinging/biting insects, snakes, and alligators. Candidate may be required to lift up to 50 lbs. Airboat operation will be required. The successful candidate will have airboat experience or be able to pass airboat training within two months of employment. This position will be under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Enloe, Invasive Plant Extension Specialist at the University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, who will design and direct the Lygodium research program.
Duties will include the following: coordinating access to OWCF field sites, establishing research plots, conducting vegetation surveys, mixing and applying herbicide treatments, and collecting, summarizing, and reporting data. Some greenhouse and laboratory work may also be involved. The successful candidate must be meticulous in treatment application and data collection to ensure high quality research that translates into meaningful outcomes for land managers. There may also be additional duties on other invasive plant projects but the main focus will be OWCF.
Required qualifications: A B.S. degree in biology, ecology, botany, natural resource management or a closely related field. The successful candidate must possess good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. The ability to work independently in the physically demanding remote environments of south Florida, including airboat operation, is also essential. Some knowledge of the flora of south Florida and strong plant identification skills are also required. Experience with GPS is also essential. The individual must be able to work with a wide variety of constituents, be self-motivated and be able to work without close supervision. Considerable in-state travel in south and Central Florida will be required.
Desired qualifications: An M.S. degree and field research experience in weed science, botany, or ecology is highly preferred. One of the main focus areas of this position will involve novel herbicide screening for OWCF so experience with herbicide application is also highly preferred.
Salary: $25.00/hour
Starting Date: July 15, 2016 or as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Information required: Please submit the following information to Stephen Enloe at sfenloe@ufl.edu : A cover letter indicating your interest in the position, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. References will be contacted at a later date and no reference letter is initially needed.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact
Stephen F. Enloe
Associate Professor
Agronomy Department/Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
7922 NW 71st St.
Gainesville, FL 32653
352-392-6841 (o)
sfenloe@ufl.edu
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu