Conservation Field Technician (Construction)
Job Location:
Job Location:
Melbourne, FL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
9 hours ago
Posted on:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Position: Conservation Field Technician (Construction)
Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt: TEMPORARY
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Conservation Construction Superintendent
Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt: TEMPORARY
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Conservation Construction Superintendent
POSITION OVERVIEW
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne Florida East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is best known for its flagship campus Brevard Zoo an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. ECZF is also known for its large portfolio of conservation projects including endangered species breeding imperiled species rehabilitation wide-scale habitat restoration and monitoring of threatened species.
Conservation Field Technicians (construction)are responsible for assisting with the construction maintenance and monitoring activities for the Conservation Department primarily the Restore Our Shores (ROS) team. Most of the work will be focused on oyster reef construction seagrass restoration and clam and oyster gardening projects. This is a field-based position with little to no office time. Time will be spent in and around the Indian River Lagoon (IRL).
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Education and/or experience in the field of shellfish aquaculture biology or marine sciences or significant experience in construction or marine construction.
- Experience driving a boat and operating equipment such as skid steers and large trucks.
PREFERRED / DESIRED:
- Experience working with volunteers and partners.
- Experience operating a barge.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following reflects ECZFs definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. ECZF may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
- Participate in all aspects of oyster reef construction: This involves participating in the planning and logistics of reef construction including but not limited to: placing orders for equipment rentals and supplies calculating quantities of needed supplies operating equipment moving supplies to restoration sites operating a boat and barge placing reef materials in the water in compliance with permits and leading groups of staff and volunteers who are assisting in these tasks.
- Conduct site evaluations for habitat suitability: This involves visiting potential restoration sites throughout the IRL and evaluating what features would make the site successful/unsuccessful for an oyster/clam/seagrass restoration project.
- Record water quality data and other environmental conditions at sites throughout the IRL: Data collected: water depth salinity fetch sediment composition along with other data.
- Perform pickups for the oyster shell recycling program Shuck & Share one to two days a week: This involves driving a 16-ft flat-bed truck to Brevard and Central Florida area restaurants to collect recycled oyster shells to be used in restoration projects. This requires carrying buckets of shell and rolling bins of shell which can weigh up to 400 lbs.
- Participate in the creation preparation and maintenance of restoration project materials including but not limited to oyster gabions nets gardening habitats and seagrass nurseries.
- Participate in the installation of other restoration projects throughout the IRL: Other projects may include planting clam beds seagrass beds and living shorelines.
- Participate in the maintenance and regular monitoring of restoration projects throughout the IRL including cleaning and replacing project materials such as clam bags nets and seagrass predator exclusion devices.
- Work from land/water/boat on a regular basis.
- Operate a flat-bed truck skid steer forklift barge boat and boat trailer as part of regular job duties.
- Work as part of the larger ECZF team working cooperatively with other ECZF staff.
- Assist with other conservation construction projects as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work outside in Florida for extended periods of time with the associated hazards-severe heat and humidity rain mosquitos stingrays etc.
- Ability to work confidently with volunteers and community members.
- Strong communication skills.
- A positive flexible and proactive attitude.
- Ability to take initiative multi-task work independently.
- Ability to work long hours on a boat in normal wind and wave conditions.
- Ability to pass a swim test and snorkel in the lagoon.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Valid drivers license and safe driving record.
- Willingness to obtain any/all certifications/licenses necessary.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
This position will spend about 90% of their time outside and about 10% of their time inside though this is completely dependent on season weather and specific yearly restoration project goals. For outside work the ability to work for extended periods of time in Florida weather is required. Associated hazards include but are not limited to extreme heat and humidity rain mosquitos stingrays etc. For indoor and outdoor work the ability to sit stand walk bend stoop kneel and lift is required as well as finger dexterity and the ability to talk hear and see.
WORK SCHEDULE:
40 hours per week Monday-Friday weekends and holidays as needed.
TRAVEL:
Local travel is required for fieldwork but does not typically include overnight stays and is done in work vehicles.
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with ECZFs policies on evaluation of personnel.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
ECZF is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy sexual orientation and gender identity) national origin age disability genetic information veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment including recruitment hiring promotion compensation benefits training transfer termination or any other terms and conditions of employment.
Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
ECZF is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities perspectives and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
There's so much to experience at Brevard Zoo. Our lush, open-air habitats are home to over 900+ animals from around the world! Take your Zoo visit to the next level!
