OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist III - FL Panther PES Program – FWC (SW Region)

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Position Title:  OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Salary:  $21.63/hour

Supervisor:  Zachary Wardle

Region:  Southwest--Lakeland, Fort Myers or Port Charlotte TBD

Residency requirement: South or Southwest Region

Level of Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological or physical sciences is preferred and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program.  Or a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.  Years of professional experience applicable to this position may substitute for the degree.

 

Description of Duties: 

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position is located in the Imperiled Species Management Section.  This exciting opportunity is a 3-year term position with the possibility of extension focused on the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Program, falling under the purview of the FWC’s Panther Management Program. The incumbent will be based in southwest Florida and routine field work within the panther focus and expansion areas is expected.

The primary functions for this position will be to assist the PES coordinator with outreach to commercial cattle operations and large landowners, habitat assessments, and monitoring related to individual PES agreements. Duties include maintaining trail cameras and associated image data on enrolled lands and fostering long-term partnerships with private landowners. The incumbent will promote and maintain FWC’s Living with Panthers initiative, and outreach activities may extend to other audiences (e.g., homeowners, conservation groups, students, sportsmen). The position will assist with panther team activities including response to depredations, vehicle mortalities, and captures as needed.

The candidate must be a strong self-starter with excellent communication and public speaking skills who is outgoing, independent, motivated, professional, and able to work with a diverse array of people. This position may work weekends and after business hours. The majority of travel will be within south and central Florida, but statewide travel may occasionally be expected. This position may have the potential for partial telework.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of Florida panther or puma biology and their habitats and a broad knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;

  • Knowledge of predator conflict minimization measures;

  • Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor. 

  • Knowledge of private lands conservation and effective measures for working with private landowners;

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of upland and wetland habitat management and restoration;

  • Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;

  • Ability to work independently and on teams;

  • Effectively communicate (orally and in writing) with peers and stakeholders;

  • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments;

  • Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;

  • Knowledge of government processes and procedures;

  • Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism;

  • Ability to safely operate vehicles; and

  • Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity and exposed to biting insects and venomous snakes. Limited overnight travel may be required.

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours. 

  • Proficiency in MS Office, MS SharePoint, Google Earth, and ArcGIS are necessary.