Requisition No: 48765
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS-F & W BS II - 77909071
Position Number: 77909071
Posting Closing Date: 12/17/2018
Anticipated Vacancy
Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II Gopher Tortise Assistant Biologist
Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02/5028
Hourly Rate: $15.43
Full time: 40 hrs/week
City: Tallahassee
Region: Leon County
Working hours: 8am – 5pm
No subordinates supervised
Supervisor: Katherine Gentry
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences (such as wildlife conservation, natural resources management, environmental science, or a related subject), and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences. Applicants are required to submit a technical writing sample, resume, and a cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.
Description of duties: This is a specialized position within the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Program. The main function of this role is to provide the citizens of Florida with information and subject matter expertise in a timely and professional manner. The incumbent is expected to communicate about gopher tortoise laws and regulations, conservation actions, minimizing impacts, and permits. The incumbent will communicate with the public via phone, email, and occasionally in-person. Duties include providing technical assistance to the public when needed for permit applications, responding to public requests for information regarding gopher tortoises, reviewing and issuing permits to address safety issues concerning burrows or existing structures, and reporting potential violations to FWC law enforcement. In addition, the incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with a team of biologists and office personnel; assist with the preparation of annual reports and development of a wildlife information management database to log phone calls; and track and generate reports of public inquiries. It is also expected that the incumbent will participate in local outreach programs, educate adults and children about gopher tortoises and wildlife conservation, and manage the distribution of educational materials.
Lastly, the incumbent is expected to stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in team meetings, seminars, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and attend other training opportunities within and outside FWC. Position may require occasional overnight travel.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position:
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing skills
Demonstrated organizational skills
Biological knowledge
Data management skills, including experience with Excel
Basic website management skills
Ability to interpret and convey complex information to a broad audience
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to interact with displeased or contentious members of the public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
Ability to adhere to time constraints
Ability to problem-solve and assist the public while communicating over the phone
Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers
Preferred qualifications include:
Experience working in wildlife conservation
Ability to identify native and nonnative Florida wildlife
Knowledge of gopher tortoise biology and native habitats
Knowledge of the Florida listed species process, permitting, and wildlife conservation
Experience in communicating complex information to the public and responding to public inquiries
Experience with Salesforce and SharePoint
Field work experience
OPS Employment Description: The position is OPS (Other Personnel Services), which means that employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System. OPS employees do have the option to receive health insurance benefits.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee