Requisition No: 53982
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS-Biological Scientist IV - 77902497
Position Number: 77902497
Posting Closing Date: 03/04/2019
Title: OPS Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Biologist IV
Working Title: Senior Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Biologist (South Region)
Salary: $24.03/hour, 40 Hours a week
Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-04/5075
Level of Education: A Bachelor’s degree in life or physical sciences.
Region: South
Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, occasional nights and weekend required. Overnight travel may be required.
List of any subordinates supervised: 3 OPS staff members (Biologist II and 2 Technicians)
Residency requirement: None
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division: Habitat and Species Conservation
Section: Wildlife Impact Management
Sub-section: Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program
Address:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Wildlife Impact Management Section
3205 College Avenue
Davie, FL 33314
Supervisor: Sarah Funck, Wildlife Impact Management Section, Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and at least three years of professional biological experience; or
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and at least two years of professional experience; or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.
A valid Florida driver’s license required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.
Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System. If you experience any issues with the People First system, you can also send these documents to Sarah.Funck@MyFWC.com.
Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.
Description of Position:
The Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program within the Wildlife Impact Management Section of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as the South Region’s Senior Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Biologist IV. Primary responsibilities of this position include the development and implementation of nonnative species assessments, control efforts and Early Detection Rapid Response for high priority nonnative species, including, but not limited to large constrictors, lizards, amphibians, birds and mammals. The incumbent will also develop contract scope of work language, task assignments and be responsible for contractor oversight. The incumbent will work closely with partner agencies on emerging nonnative species issues in south Florida at the direction of the Supervisor and Section Leader. The incumbent will oversee and manage nonnative terrestrial species projects, programs and daily operations in south Florida. This position will have the opportunity to work on challenging nonnative species issues as part of a team.
The mission of the Wildlife Impact Management Section is to minimize adverse impacts of fish and wildlife on Florida’s environment, economy, and human health and safety.
Primary duties will include:
Maintaining regular Davie office operations and facilities and act as primary point of contact at the University of Florida campus in Davie;
Managing field operations, data collection and analysis in the South Region for nonnative species, primarily herpetofauna including large constrictors, tegus, iguanas, and monitors;
Overseeing staff and equipment to facilitate removal, control and Early Detection Rapid Response of nonnative wildlife;
Coordinating Early Detection Rapid Response for nonnative species reported through the Exotic Species Hotline in south Florida;
Conducting, coordinating and participating in population assessments of introduced species as part of developing a risk assessment process for nonnative wildlife;
Serving on committees and teams; attending meetings, workshops, and conferences as appropriate;
Acting as project manager for research contracts and contract task assignments, managing and monitoring contractors, reviewing and approving contract deliverables for work relating to nonnative species control/management, removal efforts and population assessments;
Actively participating in the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area steering committee;
Assisting in creating adaptive management or response plans for nonnative species;
Assisting the other Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program staff with review and development of nonnative species outreach and education materials and events to increase awareness of nonnative species issues;
Serving as FWC liaison in intra- and interagency working groups in south Florida on nonnative terrestrial wildlife issues as part of enhancing partnerships to address adverse impacts of nonnative wildlife;
Supervising 3 OPS staff; Fish and Wildlife Biologist II and two Technicians.
The incumbent will be required to travel throughout the South Region to attend meetings, workshops and to interact with partners engaged in nonnative species management. The incumbent should be able to work independently and have an ability to lead a team of biologists in a dynamic work environment while effectively communicating with a variety of stakeholders with varying perspectives and management needs.
Additional duties will include:
Collecting, recording and analyzing data related to nonnative species;
Providing presentations to land managers and wildlife professionals;
Conducting other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff in the region;
Responding to other conflict wildlife issues as needed.
The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.
In carrying out duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware and abide by the Commission's standards of conduct, as well as any and all Commission rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.
Responsible for the timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors.
Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements for Section 215.422.F.S., related State Comptroller's rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.
Courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation generally. Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position:
Ability to work independently and multitask;
Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation;
Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service;
Demonstrated leadership abilities pertaining to wildlife management and conservation;
Familiarity with nonnative species issues;
Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints and deadlines;
Technical report writing experience, specifically with management or control plans;
Supervisory experience;
Ability to work positively and effectively with and communicate with stakeholders, partners, and coworkers.
Desired qualifications include:
Ability to identify nonnative fish and wildlife;
Extensive experience with public speaking;
Demonstrated leadership abilities;
Experience coordinating with federal, state and local government agencies on shared issues;
Ability and desire to be open-minded while working within a team of biologists to develop long-term solutions to nonnative wildlife management challenges;
Ability to work well in a fast-paced work climate;
Computer experience (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Access, MS Excel and Outlook);
Data analysis and GIS experience;
Ability to travel less than 25%.
WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
Deferred Compensation - voluntary
Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
Deferred Compensation - voluntary
Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
Any form of paid leave
Paid holidays
Participation in the Florida Retirement System
Reinstatement rights or retention rights
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: Fort Lauderdale
Nearest Secondary Market: Miami