Fish and Wildlife Technician - FWC (Haines City, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 02/23/2025 

Address Creek Ranch Wildlife Management Area, 13300 Lake Hatchineha Rd.Haines City, FL 33844

Phone: 863-661-3367

Supervisor: Shawn Kelly

Starting pay rate: $18.23/ hr.

Working hours: 8am – 5pm; maximum allowable hours per fiscal year: 1,920

List of any subordinates supervised: N/A

Residency requirement: Incumbent is required to live in the state residence on Creek Ranch WMA

Description of duties: THIS IS AN OPS POSITION.  IT IS NOT CAREER SERVICE. 

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity exists for a Fish and Wildlife Technician to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing Creek Ranch WMA and the Lake Wales Ridge WEA in Polk County. This position will also assist in managing cooperative areas including Lake Marion Creek, Walk-in-the-Water, Arbuckle WMAs and the Lake Hatchineha Unit of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge. FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities. Responsibilities include the restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat by applying prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and non-native invasive plant control throughout the area. The employee will also be a key member of the WMA prescribed burn team. Additional duties include operating game check stations, operating, maintaining and repairing area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs, and heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Incumbent also must possess the ability to troubleshoot the repairs of pumps, motors and heavy equipment.

This position also assists biologists with surveying and monitoring of threatened and locally important species, resource inventories, and public hunt management. Assists in the planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public use including parking and road construction, culvert installation, trash pickup, building maintenance and fence, gate and sign construction and maintenance. Interacts professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Attends regional and divisional meetings and training programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to operate, maintain and repair heavy equipment and associated implements

  • Ability to work independently

  • Ability to plan and organize work assignments

  • Familiar with outdoor recreational activities

  • Skilled in construction activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding

  • Knowledge of wildlife and land management principles and practices

  • Basic use of personal computers

  • Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions

  • Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 40 pounds

  • Ability to work productively alone with remote supervision or as member of a team, and the flexibility to occasionally work long hours and variable schedules, such as nights, weekends, or holidays.

Additional Requirements – Must possess or obtain valid Class A Florida Commercial Driver’s License within first 270 days of employment. Position subject to random drug screening. Hiring contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employee allowed to work a maximum of 1,920 hours per fiscal year (to be prorated based upon hiring date). Occasional overnight travel required.