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Posting Closing Date: 08/07/2025
Starting pay rate: $18.23/ hr.
Working hours: 8am – 5pm; maximum allowable hours per fiscal year: 1,920
Residency requirement: Required to reside within 25 miles of the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area Field Office
Address: Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area, 1630 Royce Ranch Ave., Lake Placid, FL 33852
Phone: (863) 699-3937
Level of Education- High School Diploma or Equivalent.
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 the Lake Wales Ridge WEA. 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, or willingness to learn how 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, or willingness to learn how 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.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong familiarity with vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance. Familiarity with both native and invasive vegetation in Central Florida. Experience with prescribed burning.
Minimum Qualifications: A highschool diploma and two years of post high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required. Vocational training or an Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an acreddited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.