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Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2024

Salary: $27.30 hourly

Location: Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee

Supervisor: Laura DiGruttolo, Laura.Digruttolo@MyFWC.com

Working hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., not to exceed 40 hours/week

Years of Experience Desired: 3+

Education: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred

% Travel Required: +/- 30%

A resume and cover letter should be included with the application package. For question regarding this position, please contact Laura DiGruttolo at Laura.DiGruttolo@MyFWC.com or (850) 728-5147.

Position Description

This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across the State of Florida. The incumbent will be part of a team that participates in long-term planning processes of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects around the State of Florida. This position serves as a biologist in the Land Use Planning (LUP) Program in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Office of Conservation Planning Services (CPS). Biologists in the LUP Program gain in-depth knowledge of Florida's environmental regulations and their practical applications, serve the public, and develop an enhanced understanding of listed species habitats and life histories while helping to shape a sustainable future in Florida. The position works as part of a talented and diverse team and coordinates with wildlife experts throughout the Agency.

Duties

This position is responsible for coordination with FDOT and participation in the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process, wildlife permitting, special initiatives related to imperiled species management, and assisting in the training of transportation professionals. Work involves regular coordination with FDOT, other biologists and wildlife experts throughout FWC, and stakeholders internal and external to the agencies. This is an office-based position with occasional overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours. Specific duties include:

Project review and technical assistance ahead of regulatory processes.
Acting as a liaison, providing responsive communication, and developing standard operating procedures for working with FDOT and other agencies.
Developing, coordinating, and/or implementing management actions, outreach and communication products, study designs, and monitoring programs.
Review of protected wildlife species conservation permit applications in accordance with FWC rules and regulations and administrative timelines, including reviewing applications for completion and sufficiency and other related functions.
Coordinating conservation actions for the implementation of the FWC Imperiled Species Management Plan in transportation planning and roadway construction.
Developing and maintaining effective communications between FWC divisions, sections, and work units.
Handling issues that may be high profile or controversial independently.
Representing FWC at meetings and conferences.

Desired Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences, or other closely related curriculum. A graduate degree and two years of professional experience is preferred. Specialized experience and education in wildlife biology, land management, upland and wetland ecology, environmental impact review and assessment, transportation, or other related areas is preferred. Above all, the successful applicant will be self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to excellence in customer service. Candidates must demonstrate:

Experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and managing conflict with excellent communication skills.
Proficiency in technical report writing.
An understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs.
Experience with imperiled species or their habitats.
Knowledge of natural resources conservation practices.
Working knowledge of transportation project planning, principles of wildlife crossing design, and related environmental reviews.
Working knowledge of federal and state-wide natural resources regulations and environmental permitting processes.
Experience in using GIS software.