The Sea Turtle Conservation Program Manager will support CMA’s Marine Turtle Permit responsibilities and oversee all aspects of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, including, but not limited to, the daily sea turtle nesting beach surveys, nest marking, monitoring and evaluations within the survey area, and for regulatory projects, as they may apply, during the seasonal nesting season (April-October). As the Qualified Individual identified on any Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) marine turtle permit for nesting beach surveys and stranding work consistent with Florida Statute 379.2431 (1) and Florida Administrative Code Rule 68E-1, the incumbent shall be responsible for ensuring that all sea turtle nesting activities are conducted in accordance with all terms and conditions of the FWC marine turtle permit, those described in Florida Administrative Code Rule 68E-1.004 and the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook (2016). The incumbent will also adhere to CMA policy as well as city, state, and federal regulations in a collaborative effort to complete FWC-authorized activities each sea turtle nesting season. All decisions concerning direct interactions with marine turtles including nesting beach surveys, marking and relocating nests, as listed on the permit shall be made by the incumbent or other designated QI. The Manager will also ensure that all authorized personnel are thoroughly and properly trained to locate, identify and document all sea turtle nesting activity within the survey area. It will be their responsibility to ensure that staff, volunteers and interns have the proper equipment and materials to perform their job safely and effectively, while keeping departmental costs within budget and maintaining established quality standards. Incumbent will complete and submit all required reports by the deadlines identified in the FWC marine turtle permit, FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, and any contracts with Pinellas County or for regulatory projects. The incumbent will promote marine animal stewardship, and work toward increasing community awareness and involvement in conservation-based activities and initiatives.
The incumbent will work with the Chief Zoological Officer to support the mission, vision and values of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. They will also work with CMA management teams to support and participate in departmental plans and projects, enhance team knowledge and advance techniques.
Assistance with Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Scope of the work includes assisting the Permit Holder in the sea turtle rehabilitation department with various tasks, administrative tasks, public speaking, and public relations. These job responsibilities will require the Manager of Sea Turtle Conservation Program to maintain flexible working hours, and be able to adapt to shifting priorities. The Manager of Sea Turtle Conservation Program will be listed as authorized personnel on the FWC Marine Turtle Permit authorizing all sea turtle care and rehabilitation work.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Supervise the daily completion of sea turtle nesting surveys within the survey area in compliance with FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, city, state and federal laws, and CMA policy
Ensure that all FWC- authorized activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes disturbance and manipulation of sea turtles, their nests, and hatchlings
Supervise authorized personnel in location, identifying and documenting all sea turtle nesting activities within the survey area
Oversee nest evaluations
Assess disorientation events of hatchling sea turtles
Ensure the safe release of, or transport of hatchlings found within the survey area
Assess obstructed nesting attempts of adult nesting sea turtles
Utilize knowledge of protocols combined with independent judgment and discretion to ensure the proper night monitoring of nests outfitted with restraining cages, silt screens, or those in dangerous areas, as approved by FWC
Ensure accurate data collection, collection and maintenance
Use independent judgment and discretion to oversee and ensure completion and submission of all required reports by deadlines identified in the FWC marine turtle permit, FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, and any contracts with Pinellas County or for regulatory projects
Provide proper care to nesting sea turtle population. This includes assisting the Permit Holder in our Sea Turtle Rehab Department with Sea Turtles admitted for rehabilitation, utilizing all tools available, while coordinating with governing agencies, CMA Vet Services, and CMA Sea Turtle & Aquatic Biology department as needed.
Ensure that all authorized personnel are thoroughly and properly trained to locate, identify and document all sea turtle nesting activity within the survey area
Provide authorized personnel all materials necessary to complete daily tasks (supplies, personal protection equipment, reading materials, training videos, etc.)
Use independent judgment and discretion to coordinate with all necessary external entities to allow completion of Conservation Program activities, beach cleaning activities and regulatory projects in a timely manner and promote courtesy and civility between all entities
Provide open communication between management and all team members in the department, giving updates about daily priorities and changes
Attend professional conferences and presentations to maintain best practice techniques, advance team knowledge, and network with other facilities and organizations
Oversee the maintenance of all inventory and ordering for all equipment and supplies needed for sea turtle nesting, keeping costs within budget
Communicate and work with the CMA management teams to maintain nesting vehicles, complete vehicle inspections and recommend vehicle changes/improvements
Understand, enforce and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the department and the organization as a whole
Ensure proper staffing through effective scheduling both in and out of sea turtle nesting season
Execute employee evaluations as established by CMA HR policies
Oversee volunteer and internship programs within the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
Responsible for promoting employee, volunteer and intern morale and motivation within the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
Manage staff, volunteer and intern conflict as needed in line with CMA HR policies and procedures
Ensure all authorized personnel follow CMA safety policies and procedures, as outlined in CMA Volunteer Handbook or CMA Employee Handbook
Ensure there is complete employee compliance in CMA safety programs, including, but not limited to CPR/AED/First Aid Certification and dive safety
Assist with grant writing as needed
Assist with research projects as needed
Build relationships, and coordinate with other CMA departments to provide information for various media outlets, both in-house (CMA Facebook, blogposts, etc.) and for external outlets (TV, print, radio, etc.)
Possess a strong business focus by contributing to the development and implementation of revenue generating programs involving aspects of marine animal care, education and/or conservation efforts that support CMA’s programs
Must have a minimum of “Exceeds Expectations†overall rating on the last evaluation to be considered for a promotion
Perform other duties as needed
MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Assist Sea Turtle Rehab Permit Holder in providing the sea turtle collection (resident/rehab) at CMA proper care utilizing all tools available while coordinating with governing agencies, CMA management teams as warranted
Assist in intakes, advanced veterinary procedures and surgeries
Assist in necropsies in the capacity approved by Vet of Record and in conjunction with Animal Care teams, including, but not limited to, carcass recovery, documentation, gross examination, tissue collection and analysis, generation of necropsy report, and carcass disposal
Assist Vet of Record, Sea Turtle & Aquatic Biology Supervisor in the maintenance of written and digital sea turtle medical logs
Assist Vet of Record, Sea Turtle & Aquatic Biology Supervisor with the maintenance of FWC Marine Turtle Holding Facility Quarterly Reports and FWC Marine Turtle Holding Facility Annual Report
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
Experience conducting nesting surveys, including a minimum of two (2) nesting seasons, or two hundred (500) hours, of marine turtle nesting survey experience requirements as listed in Florida Administrative Code Rule 68E-1.004
Preference may be given to candidate that has previously held an FWC marine turtle permit, or is familiar with the application process
Must demonstrate an ability to meet the general permit application requirements as outlined in Florida Administrative Code Rule 68E-1.004
Ability to lead others in a team situation
Previous experience in a field supervisory or lead position in any capacity is preferred
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Open Water Diver certification from an internationally recognized diver training organization preferred
CPR/AED/First Aid certification required, OR the ability to acquire certification within 60 days of hire
Demonstrated strong communication skills, both oral and written, and an ability to comfortably interact with the public on a regular basis
Proven ability to use independent judgment and discretion to maintain working relationships with all internal and external entities, including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, interns, and Municipal, County, State and Federal employees at all times
Demonstrated experience proficiency with data entry
Knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook preferred
Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays
Proven track record of strong problem-solving and time management skills, with an ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks at once
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to legally and safely operate an ATV – Frequently
Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach – Frequently
Reach above the shoulders – Frequently
Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently
Lift up to 50lbs to waist level – Frequently
Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently
Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces – Frequently
Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Occasionally
Safely climb ladders when needed – Occasionally
Pass a basic swim test – Annually