Director of Conservation, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, FL

Come lead Audubon Florida’s habitat management and restoration work at our 13,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary!

Director of Conservation, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida | Careers at National Audubon Society (icims.com)

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary comprises 13,000 acres of bald cypress swamp, freshwater marshes and pine flatwoods in Southwest Florida. While more than 100,000 visitors walk the site’s 2.25-mile boardwalk each year, much of the acreage is closed to the public and managed for conservation purposes.

The Director of Conservation will be responsible for leading land management and driving restoration activities at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, including influencing restoration in the larger watershed to benefit the Sanctuary and regional natural resources and wildlife. The Sanctuary is a hub for wetland science, conservation and resource management for Audubon Florida and a critical area of conservation focus. The Director of Conservation will be responsible for a variety of collaborative activities that work to protect and restore freshwater wetlands for birds and other wildlife.

Reporting to the Corkscrew‘s Senior Sanctuary Director, the Director of Conservation must be an effective project leader aligned with the conservation objectives of the Sanctuary, Audubon Florida, and the National Audubon Society.

Essential Functions

Working closely with the Senior Sanctuary Director, inform and implement a vision for Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, employing strategies that include on-the-ground projects, policy advocacy, and engagement.
Land Management
• Oversee the implementation of a Land Management Plan that reflects contemporary needs, opportunities and challenges for the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
o Regularly review and update land management plan to ensure the use of best available science.
o Lead land management staff in the maintenance and/or restoration of native plant and wildlife communities, including prescribed fire and management of invasive non-native and native species.
o Oversee compliance with Audubon’s management agreement for the Panther Island Mitigation Bank.
o Coordinate and communicate land management activities with other Sanctuary staff.
o Maintain a high standard of health and safety operating practices throughout all land management activities.
• Coordinate and communicate land management activities and best management practices with neighboring property owners and regional conservation partners.
Restoration
• Collaborate with program staff and strategic partners to protect and restore freshwater wetlands onsite.
• Share best practices and subject matter expertise with policy staff and partners to help promote consideration for wetlands and wildlife in regional land use planning and development in the Western Everglades.
• Improve the wetland and upland habitat values within Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
• Collaborate with Sanctuary’s Research Director to explore the threats facing the local ecosystem and evaluate and refine restoration and management best practices. Specifically:
o Develop and execute a sustainable restoration plan for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and collaborate with research and policy staff to identify threats and opportunities in the larger watershed. Enlist buy-in from key partners and supporters.
o Design, implement, and assess metrics focused on birds and habitat for the Sanctuary restoration program.
o Collaborate with policy staff to leverage the Sanctuary’s marsh and prairie restoration program to inform regional and statewide best practices.
o Collaborate with Research Director to evaluate restoration success on Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and monitor developments in restoration science for new techniques and ideas.

Conservation Policy
• Help safeguard regional watershed health as a subject matter expert for the Audubon Florida Policy team.
• Work with Audubon Policy staff to identify issues affecting the hydrology of Corkscrew Swamp and provide subject matter expertise in the education of advocates on the Sanctuary’s behalf.
• Help Policy Staff train volunteer advocates with field trips, restoration volunteer opportunities and lectures to grow their sophistication and engagement in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and willingness to get involved in advocacy.
Administration and Fundraising
• Manage project budgets, reporting requirements, and third-party contracts, following Audubon’s internal grant tracking, contracting, and reporting procedures.
• Work with the Sanctuary Director, Development staff, and key program staff to increase the Sanctuary’s revenue for land stewardship and restoration by helping cultivate donors and obtaining grants and foundation funding.
• Closely collaborate with the Senior Director and communications staff to inform materials promoting the Sanctuary’s watershed restoration vision for traditional and social media.
• Serve as a public representative of Audubon and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary team which may include presentations, public speaking, meeting participation and/or other interactions with agencies, NGOs, Audubon chapters, and landowners to both gather and disseminate information.
• Promote an organizational culture and structure that fosters cooperation, respectful communication, inclusive leadership, and effective teamwork--exhibited throug

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology or closely related field, Master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• 10 years of experience in natural resources management, biology, or related environmental or conservation work required and at least 2 years managing staff. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Skillful in the application of ArcGIS.
• Experience in conservation planning and/or policy and applying best available science to achieve conservation outcomes.
• Must be experienced with the principles and application of habitat management and wetland restoration techniques and watershed functions and how those concepts directly and indirectly affect local and regional birds and other wildlife.
• Experience bossing or crewing prescribed fires, eradicating invasive vegetation, operating equipment including ATVs, swamp buggies and/or airboats, or supervising others in the same.
• Experience with permitting and environmental compliance, especially regarding partner agreements preferred.
• Appreciation for and experience with the use of volunteers in land management and community science (formerly citizen science).
• Familiarity with Florida conservation and policy issues preferred. Demonstrated understanding of and passion for conservation issues in Florida is a must.
• A commitment to collaboration and leading by example. Must possess strong interpersonal skills, successful staff management experience, and a positive attitude.
• Experience managing budgets and grants, as well experience or interest in fundraising activities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects ethically and in a timely manner.
• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities and a commitment to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion as a core component of our work.
• A demonstrated commitment to strong health and safety practices in the workplace.
• Must be self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
• Strong oral and written communications skills, including public speaking and presentations, and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, as well as ArcGIS.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally and/or across the state (as needed) and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends, as job demands.
• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation; must be able to carry field equipment at times, with or without accommodation.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society is a must.

Wildlife Biologist, Pensacola International Airport

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

OPEN DATE:                      September 16, 2022               

CLOSING DATE:                September 23, 2022

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services

 An Equal Opportunity Employer

 POSITION TITLE:              Wildlife Biologist (Airport)– 1 Position

 TYPE OF POSITION:         Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service.  Not to Exceed 13 months (may be extended up to 4 years)

 WORK SCHEDULE:           Fulltime – 40 hours per week

ANNOUNCEMENT #:         WSER-03-2022-FL-Pensacola

 SERIES/GRADE:                 GS-0486-7/9

 FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL:                                   GS-0486-09

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:                      1                          

LOCATIONS:                       Pensacola,  FL (Pensacola International Airport)

SALARY:                               $44,740 to 71,146 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

WHO MAY APPLY:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must be 18 years old

• If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions (proof of registration and/or exemption required). Website: http://www.sss.gov.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Resume  (include days/months/years worked, work schedule, and grade level if federal)

Transcripts (if qualifying on education must have been obtained from an accredited institution. Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.)

DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and/or VA letter required for applicable Veteran preference. Current active duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

HOW TO APPLY:  Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training certificates, etc.) may not be considered.  Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered.  Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement.

Interested individuals should send a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the contact office in each state where the position is located:

CONTACT OFFICE FOR FLORIDA:

 Richard C. Hinnah

District Supervisor

11152 NW State Road 20

Bristol, FL 32321

(352) 281-1992

richard.c.hinnah@usda.gov

Summary:

The incumbent acts as an Airport Wildlife Biologist within the FL WS program. Work involves assisting the airport in reducing wildlife hazards to aircraft. The Wildlife Biologist monitors wildlife behavior and abundance and evaluates hazards posed by various species of wildlife on airports and surrounding properties.

DUTIES:

The incumbent conducts integrated wildlife damage management activities where there is a demonstrated need, consistent with the planned use of any given area to prevent or reduce losses to property, agriculture, and natural resources, or to protect human health and safety.

Management techniques and/or methods include the recommendation or use of pesticides, controlled substances, pyrotechnics, firearms, binary explosives, aversive agents, auditory devices, exclusion, habitat modification, trapping, and other mechanical or environmental controls.

May perform a variety of technical procedures including capture, restraint, chemical immobilization, marking, transport, euthanasia, and/or necropsy of wildlife; collection, storage, and safe transport of biological data and samples; telemetry; GIS; GPS; population census and survey; and surveillance and monitoring; gathering, compiling, and analyzing data to facilitate statistical analyses.

May be required to take extensive training and recurrent training on wildlife damage or disease recognition, control methods, and techniques; monitoring and surveillance procedures; emergency response; coalition building; risk communications; and other training related to technical or administrative aspects of the job.

 Modifies or adapts established damage or disease control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic, or political considerations.

Monitors and ensures compliance with program directives, and local, State, and Federal laws and regulations in wildlife damage management activities. Assists cooperators in understanding of and compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other wildlife-related laws.

Through supervisor and with assistance from the WS National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff, develops and maintains categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, monitoring reports, and other documents required by NEPA. Prepares required scientific and administrative program reports. Assists cooperators and the public with obtaining migratory bird depredation permits and compliance with Depredation Orders.

Gathers, compiles, evaluates, and presents data on damage or hazards caused by various wildlife species to cooperators, stakeholders, and colleagues through project or program reports and presentations at cooperator, stakeholder, and public meetings and professional conferences.

Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other Federal, State, county and city government agencies, Tribes, corporations, educational or research institutions, and individuals in meeting program needs and goals. May represent the WS program on committees and task forces, and at meetings, conferences, and workshops with these groups.

May negotiate or participate in the negotiation, development, and monitoring of agreements, such as cooperative service agreements with work/financial plans, to initiate or maintain cooperative wildlife damage management projects.

Provides technical assistance to a variety of cooperators, along with conducting site visits or assessments to identify wildlife damage issues or threats. May develop and deliver training for cooperators, stakeholders, partner agencies and organizations, or other entities.

Communicates safe and effective damage management techniques through outreach and other channels to the general public. Information may be disseminated by radio and television news releases, interviews, bulletins, presentations, workshops, outreach events, and other methods.

Recommends, to supervisor, areas for potential research or developmental study. May assist with research projects to increase knowledge of wildlife ecology and to develop or improve methods to reduce the risks of damage to resources or disease transmission to domestic animals and humans.

Supports WS’ safety program and procedures through participation in meetings, inspections, safety-related training, and implementation of safety requirements and protocols. Identifies safety-related opportunities and challenges to the supervisor.

May be required to obtain and maintain pesticide applicator licenses, permits, or other authorizations, and may be required to assist with pesticide or other use/certification training in cooperation with State agencies and land grant universities. Complete pesticide use reports and documents reported and known pesticide impacts on other resources.

Assists other WS employees as requested and may assist in training new WS personnel. May be asked to provide technical direction and/or guidance to lower graded employees.

May be responsible for procuring equipment and supplies necessary to conduct field activities and may be asked to complete other duties as assigned.

The incumbent may be required to conduct other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS:

To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.

·        Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

Degree:  biological science that included:

• At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and

• At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and

• At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.

OR

Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement you must all meet the following requirements for each grade level.

FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that demonstrates:

• Dealing with the principles of wildlife ecology and management.

• Identifying North American wildlife species and assess their abundance, behavior, and habitats.

• Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts, principles of wildlife damage management and airport wildlife hazard management.

• Selecting appropriate wildlife damage management strategies, techniques, and tools and apply them to specific situations.

• The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Air Regulations.

• The Skilled use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs, pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools.

• Using computers for word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

OR

1 year of graduate-level education (18 semester hours) in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management.

OR

Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements. For more details click: Superior Academic Achievement

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level that demonstrates:

All requirements of the GS-07 level and the following:

• Designing a wildlife survey program that detects spatial and temporal differences in wildlife abundance and provides a suitable index of wildlife hazards at airports.

• Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, laws, and ordinances that affect wildlife damage management operations and working within those guidelines.

• Using GPS, GIS technologies, and web-based systems for data entry and administrative processes.

OR

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree in wildlife biology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology or masters or equivalent graduate degree in one of the above mentioned fields.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

• This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.

• You are qualifying for the position based on education.

• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.

• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.

• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07/09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have or obtain a valid Florida driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.

• As a condition of employment, position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.

• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.

• In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).

·       To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

Emergency Response – APHIS is an emergency response agency.  This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS.  It is difficult to predict the frequency with which such emergency situations may occur – and could range from several emergencies in a year to none over the course of many years.  In the event that you are called upon to support an emergency program, this may require irregular working hours, including overtime, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description.  While some emergency program support assignments may be able to be performed at the employee’s current duty station, in other cases employees may be asked to go on-site to a temporary duty state location.  In addition, it may be necessary for employees to participate in multiple rotations to an emergency program assignment.  Attempts will be made to keep disruption to the employee to a minimum.

See this link: https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fair-and-transparent/signature-false-statements/

Failure to follow application instructions regarding filing appropriate forms and answering questions may result in loss of employment considerations for this position.  All applications must be signed, dated, and received by the closing date of this announcement.

NOTE: APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO URINALYSIS TO SCREEN FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT. APPOINTMENT TO THE POSITION WILL BE CONTINGENT UPON A NEGATIVE DRUG TEST RESULT. INCUMBENTS OF THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO URINALYSIS TO SCREEN FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE ON AN ONGOING BASIS AFTER APPOINTMENT, AS DIRECTED.

Carrying a firearm is a condition of employment – In the passing of the Lautenberg Amendment, Congress passed legislation which prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. If selected you will be required to sign the form, “Inquiry for Positions Requiring Possession of Firearms,” certifying that you meet this criteria.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy-

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a Case-by-Case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.

• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

Relocation costs will not be paid for this position.

More than one position may be selected from this announcement.

Senior Director, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida

Senior Director, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida | Careers at National Audubon Society (icims.com)

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 13,000-acre nature sanctuary in Southwest Florida. It includes 2.25 miles of boardwalk, the Blair Audubon Center, Nature Store and Gallery Café, as well as education, research and resource management programs. More than 100,000 people visit Corkscrew each year and the Sanctuary enjoys the support of a dedicated sustainability board and many volunteers. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary serves as an anchor for Audubon Florida’s policy advocacy in the Western Everglades and is a living laboratory for the study and restoration of Southwest Florida’s freshwater wetlands. The Sanctuary is currently conducting a capital campaign to implement our reimagined campus and staff have raised $6M with a capital goal of $12M.

The Senior Director, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, will be responsible for advancing Audubon’s science-based conservation mission protecting the Sanctuary and its watershed. Working in partnership with the Audubon Florida’s Executive Director, they will set the strategic direction for the center and sanctuary and will play an important role in carrying out the mission of Audubon Florida and the National Audubon Society. In conjunction with relevant stakeholders, they will work to develop programming that includes elements of Audubon’s core approaches to conservation—science, education, public policy and direct habitat management.

The Senior Director will be responsible for maintaining and expanding Corkscrew’s facilities, staff and programming, while simultaneously restoring and protecting the ecology of the Sanctuary. To ensure the Sanctuary’s financial stability and continued expansion, the Senior Director will work closely with Audubon Florida’s development team to identify, cultivate and solicit donors, and with center staff to maximize earned income and manage expenses.

The Sanctuary Director is a key Audubon spokesperson for the conservation of the Western Everglades, and works closely with Audubon Florida’s Director of Everglades Policy, state Director of Policy, and Corkscrew Leadership Team to achieve Audubon’s conservation goals in the region.

This role reports to the Executive Director for Audubon Florida and has five direct reports including several senior-level positions leading research, land management, center operations and maintenance. Overall, the Sanctuary employs 25 regular staff and has an annual operating budget of about $2 million.

FWC - OPS Check Station Worker

Title: OPS Check Station Worker

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Location: Triple N Ranch WMA in Saint Cloud, FL

Salary: $15.00 per hour, maximum 40 hours per week, no benefits

Start Date: October 8, 2021

Employment Dates: Oct. 8, 2021 – April 22, 2022

Job description: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hiring an OPS check station operator for Triple N Ranch WMA in Saint Cloud, FL. The check station operator is responsible for checking hunters into and out of the WMA and for collecting biological data from harvested game animals.  This position will require white-tailed deer jaw bone removal, collecting antler measurements, weighing animals, recording the sex of animals, collecting quail wings, collecting measurements from turkeys, and other custodial tasks as needed.  Check station operators must be able to handle harvested game animals and must not be opposed to hunting.

Check station hours are typically 8 to 16-hour shifts and may include weekends and holidays.  Opening hours are 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM depending on season.  Therefore, punctuality during early morning hours is a must.  The check station is a small building with a covered porch at the entrance of Triple N Ranch WMA.  This is a seasonal position depending on hunting dates which range from October to April.  Previous experience with biological data collection and previous hunting experience is preferred but is not necessary.  This is a temporary seasonal OPS position.  There are no benefits, and employment ends at the close of hunting season.

Please send letter of interest or resume to Melanie.Mancuso@myfwc.com

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II – 77072830

Location: SUNRISE, FL, US, 33323

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77072830

Position Number: 77072830

Salary: $1,234.18 bi-weekly + benefits

Posting Closing Date: 04/22/2022

Position number: 77072830

Position Address: 10088 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise, FL 33351

Supervisor: Jacob Larsson

Description of duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to assist with the management of Holey Land and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). This position serves as a wildlife biologist on a highly productive team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. Primary responsibilities will be assisting with the planning, development, and implementation of habitat and wildlife management programs for the WMA, including the application of prescribed fire, and conducting and providing contract oversight for chemical vegetation control, tree island restoration, and other restoration activities.

Additionally, this position will assist with conducting wildlife and vegetation surveys; collecting biological data from hunter-harvested animals; coordinating and implementing managed public hunts; preparing and submitting administrative and biological reports; supervising seasonal staff; and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. Occasionally the biologist will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of, and experience with, wildlife biology, including the assessment and inventory of wildlife and habitat. Fire ecology and plant succession knowledge; applied knowledge of habitat management practices, principles, and restoration techniques, such as prescribed fire and exotic plant control. Ability to collect, organize, and analyze biological field data, and write reports. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work well with team members and members of the public. Initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively unsupervised alone, as well as function as a member of a team. Strong organizational skills: ability to manage work assignments and set priorities. Ability to operate specialized equipment (e.g., airboats) and navigate using GPS units and aerial maps independently in remote areas. Ability to perform strenuous work in extreme weather conditions typical of south Florida; in good physical condition and able to work outside year-round. Proficiency with typical Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and familiarity with geospatial software including ArcGIS.

Preferred qualifications: Knowledge of south Florida ecological communities, primarily the Everglades ecosystem; experience with heavy/specialized equipment and trailering; skilled in performing minor repairs on infrastructure and equipment; and proficiency with ArcGIS.

Broadband code: 19-1023-02

Class code: 5028

Region: South

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II

County: Broward

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required

List of any subordinates supervised: No full-time employees. May supervise seasonal employees.

Residency requirement: Must live within 25 miles of Sunrise Wildlife Field Office

Level of Education: Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences.

Hire-in Pay: $32,088.68 (annually) + benefits

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Nearest Major Market: Fort Lauderdale

Nearest Secondary Market: Miami

Seasonal Collier County Anchor Steward

Seasonal Collier County Anchor Steward

Audubon Florida

Marco Island, FL

APPLY ONLINE ONLY AT:
https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/4862/seasonal-collier-county-anchor-steward/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites Audubon is hiring a seasonal Beach Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Collier County, Florida. The site most likely requiring stewardship is Big Marco Pass CWA. Nesting species may include Wilson’s Plover and Black Skimmer. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers in order to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the shore/seabird nesting areas. Additional responsibilities include aiding with additional sea/shorebird surveys with the supervisor, assisting external partners with research and management, and data management at the discretion of the supervisor.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, seasonal position focused on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position is expected to begin on April 15, 2022 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into August or early September but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

Essential Functions

- Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species, and enter/report data to the supervisor.

- Assist site managers and Audubon staff with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.

- Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends (Friday – Sunday) and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and longer hours are anticipated on holiday weekends.

- Assist with recruiting volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays.

- Work closely with site managers and Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

- Assist with additional surveys and research with Audubon Florida staff and external partners.

Qualifications and Experience

- Experience and ability with record-keeping and summarizing data for grant-required reports.

- Ability to recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.

- Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.

- Must be comfortable with boating and working in a marine environment. Experience operating small motorboats preferred.

- A positive and diplomatic attitude.

- Demonstrated capability of physically active work walking on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions. Ability to lift 30 lbs.

- Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.

- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

- Familiarity with Southwest Florida beaches preferred.

- Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one shore/seabird nesting season strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.

- Bilingual or Spanish speaking is a plus.

- Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.