Requisition No: 38044
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000662
Position Number: 77000662
Salary: $1,456.45 bi-weekly + benefits
Posting Closing Date: 07/08/2018
Address: 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Supervisor: Deborah Burr
ANTICIPATED VACANCY
Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV Gopher Tortoise Assistant Program Coordinator
FTE Employment Description: Full time position with benefits (annual leave, sick leave, retirement, insurance)
NOTE: Interested applicants must submit an application to the People First. A resume and a cover letter describing the applicant’s experience with wildlife and/or natural resource planning, conservation and management, particularly as it relates to the duties described below, must also be submitted with the application. Only electronic applications are accepted.
Contact Person: Deborah Burr, Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator 850-921-1019
Description of responsibilities and duties:
The Gopher Tortoise Assistant Program Coordinator be responsible for managing gopher tortoise permitting and provide guidance and leadership with a team of biologists implementing permitting procedures for gopher tortoises. It is expected that the incumbent will work with the program coordinator and program staff to identify challenges and to develop solutions that further the conservation of gopher tortoises and help gain efficiencies in permitting process. The incumbent will also work with stakeholders and the public to address concerns and help resolve contentious issues. They will be responsible for using reports from the permit system to monitor and ensure deadlines and agency policies are met when issuing permits, and/or providing biological opinions on other protected species permits. Responsibilities also include reviewing, drafting, and routing conservation easement documents and habitat management plans to implement conservation requirements and goals. The incumbent will coordinate with the conservation biologists and meet with public and private landowners to evaluate suitability of lands under consideration for permits for gopher tortoises and other listed species, assist law enforcement with providing guidance and with interpretation of rules and laws protecting gopher tortoises and other listed species, and coordinate with all the gopher tortoise program staff and section/division staff to ensure consistent and effective communication on permit issues. Responsible for assisting with reviewing and/or processing protected species permitting, and implementing or developing permitting guidelines including, but not limited to, gopher tortoise commensal species when needed.
The Assistant Program Coordinator will also ensure effective and consistent communication and coordination with cities and counties across Florida, and guide staff on addressing human/wildlife concerns. Duties include serving as the gopher tortoise team lead with the agency’s information technology section to develop, implement and manage a wildlife management database to help manage calls and track gopher tortoise issues statewide. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the implementation statewide initiatives and related incentive programs that promote the conservation of gopher tortoises, commensals, and other protected species on private lands and land owned by local governments. Duties include coordinating with relevant FWC programs and developing contracts and agreements according to agency and state requirements.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with facilitation of internal meetings and public meetings, providing skills and expertise wherever needed through work on interdisciplinary teams, and coordinating and participating in a variety of education and outreach events. Responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor. These duties include, but are not limited to, timely completion of routine paperwork, preparation of reports, or assisting with Agency, Division or Section priorities. Some overnight travel will be required (1-25%). The Assistant Program Coordinator will directly supervise two biologists and an intern program.
The successful applicant will be enthusiastic and self-motivated to complete quality work on time and will demonstrate strong leadership and communication abilities together with strong abilities to develop and carry out projects with minimal supervision and to also work as an effective team member.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Knowledge of population ecology and biology principles; gopher tortoise and other wildlife science conservation principles; Florida’s fish and wildlife, particularly state and federally listed species; Florida listed species permitting; the Federal Endangered Species Act and the state Rules Relating to Endangered or Threatened Species and other applicable federal and state laws, rules, and policies; habitat management practices that benefit terrestrial wildlife. Skill in problem solving; planning and prioritizing work assignments, multi-task, establish and meet deadlines; good time management skills; preparing and delivering presentations to large audiences; leading or facilitating workshops and meetings; providing exceptional customer service; the use of Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and ArcGIS. Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; identify natural communities and listed wildlife species endemic to Florida; to work outdoors, walking across uneven terrain in various climate conditions; read and interpret various types of maps; supervise professional staff and volunteers; to collect and analyze biological data; to efficiently organize information and details and manage multiple projects; to communicate effectively; to work effectively with other agency staff members, partners, and stakeholders to achieve desired results; to work independently with minimal supervision; problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism; to conduct moderately strenuous wildlife management and monitoring activities outdoors; to safely operate vehicles; and to travel overnight, sometimes out of state. assess employee work performance and provide feedback; prepare correspondence and administrative reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Certain veterans and spouses of veterans receive preference in employment by the state as provided by Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, and are encouraged to apply. FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application / selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance.
Pay Rate: $44,507.32 annually
Broadband Code: 19-1023-04
Class Code: 5075
Region: Tallahassee
Class Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV
County: LEON
Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
List of Subordinates Supervised: 1 OPS Biological Scientist IV and 1 OPS Biological Scientist II
Residency Requirement: None
Level of Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience; or a master's degree in the biological sciences and two years of professional experience as described above. A master’s degree in wildlife science, natural resource management, ecology, or similar is preferred.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee