Wildlife Biologist, Panther Specialist - USDA (Collier County)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

OPEN DATE: June 27th, 2023

CLOSING DATE: July 10th, 2023 (updated closing date)

POSITION TITLE: Wildlife Biologist (Panther Specialist)

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: Full-time

ANNOUNCEMENT #: WSER-FL-FY23-09

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0486-7/9

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0486-09

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

LOCATIONS: Wildlife Services Florida, Collier County, Florida (exact duty station negotiable upon selection)

$ 46,696 - $ 74,250 per year depending on GS level and location (relocation costs will not be paid for this position

Click here to see the full position description and instructions for how to apply

Conservation Coordinator - Tall Timbers (Tallahassee)

Title: Conservation Coordinator
Supervisor: Land Conservancy Director
Location: Tall Timbers • Tallahassee, Florida
Job Classification: Permanent, Full Time

About Tall Timbers
For over 60 years, Tall Timbers has served the Greater Red Hills region and beyond with research, conservation, and education focused on prescribed fire, wildlife, and management of southeastern ecosystems, especially upland pine savannas.
For more information about Tall Timbers: talltimbers.org

About the Land Conservancy
The Land Conservancy, a division within Tall Timbers, was established in 1991 to ensure the sustainability and conservation of natural habitats, cultural resources, and compatible rural land uses. Tall Timbers has conserved over 156,000 acres with 132 landowners utilizing conservation easements, making it one of the largest regional land trusts in the Southeast. These conservation easements conserve some of the South’s best-remaining longleaf pine savannas; cypress-dominated wetlands; miles of river frontage along the Flint, Ochlockonee, and Aucilla Rivers; scenic canopy roads, and historic sites. Our successes are due to the
visionary leadership and conservation ethic of landowners, strong public support, and the dedication of the staff. Tall Timbers is a committed land trust that has adopted the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices and is an accredited land trust by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

About the Position

Tall Timbers is seeking a motivated individual to be part of a team working together to increase the pace of land conservation throughout North Florida and South Georgia with a focus on conservation easements. The Conservation Coordinator will be involved in all aspects of project development, from landowner engagement to conservation easement negotiations, while ensuring compliance with Land Trust Standards and Practices. The Conservation Coordinator will also facilitate land management support for our conservation easement landowners and members through existing and new grants. The position will work closely with the Land Conservancy Director to pursue funding to grow the success of our land conservation program. As part of Tall Timbers, the Conservation Coordinator will be involved with outreach and advocacy for land conservation and stewardship.

Position Responsibilities:
• Coordinate Conservation Easement Program – Seek potential conservation easement projects in areas of strategic importance, meet with prospective conservation easement landowners, and educate them about the procedures, benefits, and costs associated with a conservation easement. Oversee all aspects of
project development, including, but not limited to, biological surveys, management plan drafting, and conservation easement review. Ensure that all conservation easement projects comply with Tall Timbers’ policies and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

• Promote Land Conservation Projects – Assist landowners in pursuing governmental programs that financially support land conservation and management projects in the Greater Red Hills Region. Pursue external funding sources that increase and encourage land conservation projects. Assist the Land Conservancy Director with implementing the Red Hills Land Conservation Opportunity Fund.

• Land Conservation Grant Administration and Development – Provide administrative oversight, including staff supervision, communications/outreach, outcomes monitoring, and technical assistance for the Natural Resource Conservation Service- Regional Conservation Partnership Program (NRCS_RCPP) grant. Maintain
communication between Tall Timbers and national, state, and local NRCS staff. Pursue grants and other funding opportunities to support land conservation, natural resource management, and/or regional planning.

• Advocate for Land Conservation – Work with governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations to advocate for land conservation in the Greater Red Hills, Florida, and Georgia.

• Extension Services, Communications, and Outreach – Coordinate and participate in tours and programs for groups and organizations that support Tall Timbers' mission. Assist in providing content for Tall Timbers publications, website, and other media outlets. Provide extension services to Tall Timbers membership regarding land conservation and other areas of expertise.

• General Support for Tall Timbers – Assist in jobs and duties as appropriate and requested by the Land Conservancy Director or the President/CEO.

Qualifications and Experience
• Minimum education requirement:
o Bachelor of Arts or Science with at least five years of related experience, or
o Master of Arts or Science, JD, MBA, and at least two years experience,
o Degrees relevant to the position include, but not limited to, natural resource management, wildlife ecology, forestry, community and regional planning, real estate, business, environmental policy, and law
o Other postsecondary degrees/certificates with extensive experience may qualify
• Experience with conservation easements and land transactions
• Ability to pursue and administer grants and other external funding sources
• Project management experience, including complex transactions
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with landowners, land managers, attorneys, Board and Committee members, and other staff.
• Familiarity with prescribed fire, forestry, and natural resources management
• Experience with property research, title review, mapping, and GIS skills
• Supervisory experience
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Interest in being actively involved with the land conservation community
• Excellent attention to detail and an ability to stay organized
• Must be self-motivated and willing to work independently
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions and not deterred by heat, ticks, bugs, or snakes.
• An interest in Southeastern ecosystems, flora, and fauna
• A passion for being a resident of the Greater Red Hills region
• APPLICANT MUST HAVE A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD

Salary and Benefits
• Salary range: $60,000 – $85,000, depending on experience.
• Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement, paid vacation, and sick leave

Application
1. Cover letter including 1) your interest in the position and 2) your perspective on why
you are qualified for the job
2. Resume or CV
If an interview is requested:
1. Contact information for three or more professional references
2. A writing sample, social media content, or creative piece that highlights your abilities

Email all documents as PDF files to swell@talltimbers.org

Position Inquiries:
Shane Wellendorf, Land Conservancy Director
Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy
13093 Henry Beadel Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32312
swell@talltimbers.org

Deadline:
Application deadline: July 24, 2023. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, so a prompt
submission is recommended. Desired start date: September 1 or sooner

View PDF of information here.

OPS Check Station Worker - FWC (Saint Cloud, FL)

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: September 23, 2023

Employment Dates: Sep. 23, 2023 – April 19, 2024

Job description: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hiring two OPS check station operators 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 September 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

Mosquito Control Biologist 1 - Lee County

Lee County Mosquito/Hyacinth Control Districts

Mosquito Control Biologist I

SALARY: $27.01 - $31.50 Hourly

LOCATION: Lehigh Acres, FL

JOB TYPE: Full-time

JOB NUMBER: 2023-18

ORGANIZATION: Mosquito Control

DEPARTMENT: Mosquito Larvaciding

OPENING DATE: 05/22/2023

Agency: Lee County Mosquito/Hyacinth Control Districts

After successful completion of an extensive training program, this full-time field position will lead to a supervisory role in anassigned geographical area performing aerial control and overseeing marine and ground mosquito control operations.

Essential Functions

• Bachelors Degree in a biological science from an accredited college or university

• Must have a valid Class E Florida’s driver’s license and a clean driving record

• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and have the ability to learn and operate internal programsincluding GIS systems and databases

• Must be able to work a varied schedule including working on weekends and nights

• Ability to ride in helicopters and boats and operate a variety of small equipment

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English and be able to read and understand chemical label instructions inEnglish

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Florida Public Health Pest Control License within six months of hire

Qualifications

• Previous mosquito control experience, preferably in Florida

• Supervisory experience

• Current Florida Public Health Pest Control License and/or Advanced Public Health Pest Control License

• Bachelors Degree in Entomology from an accredited college or university

• Course work in Biology 1 and 2 w/lab, Chemistry 1 and 2 w/lab, Physics 1 and 2 w/lab, Ecology, Genetics, OrganicChemistry, Statistics 1, and Calculus 1

Supplemental Information

To Apply: Submit an application on our career website select link:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lcmcd

Equal Opportunity Employer; Drug Free Workplace; Veterans Preference to those who qualify

Seasonal Rooftop Seabird Field Technician - Audubon (Fl Panhandle)

Seasonal Rooftop Seabird Field Technician

Audubon Florida

Panama City to Pensacola, FL

APPLY ONLINE ONLY AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5347/seasonal-rooftop-seabird-field-technician/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a Seasonal Rooftop Seabird Field Technician to support nesting season seabird conservation on rooftops throughout the Florida Panhandle. Rooftop nesting seabirds are primarily Least Terns but also including Black Skimmers, and Gull-billed Terns. The Rooftop Seabird Field Technician will work in a five county region of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay.

The Field Technician will help with rooftop colony conservation including fencing rooftops, finding and monitoring roof colonies, conducting emergency chick retrieval and assisting with volunteer coordination. This is a seasonal position, scheduled for 40 hours a week (including some holidays and weekends), April - August 2023 and will be based within the Panama City to Pensacola, Florida area.

Compensation:
$15.00 - $19.00 per hour based on experience

Essential Functions

Under the guidance of the Panhandle Program Manager, Field Technician will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Survey the Panhandle’s historic rooftop nesting sites to determine whether they are active during the nesting season

• Engage with and support the owners of buildings with rooftop colonies

• Work with property managers to “chick proof” rooftops prior to the nesting season

• Organize volunteers to check the building sites of rooftop colonies to collect fallen chicks and return them to rooftops

• Respond to or coordinate volunteer response to calls regarding fallen chicks at rooftop colonies

• Responsible for timely data entry and reporting

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology or related field preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with field work, as well as familiarity with the Florida Panhandle region.

• Knowledge of and experience identifying various seabird species.

• Must be comfortable working on rooftops at various building heights.

• Ability to safely drive long distances in assigned work vehicle.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills, and be able to communicate clearly to various audiences.

• A detailed approach to work, one who possesses good judgment integrity with work products.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite required.

• Experience with or leading volunteer groups strongly preferred.

• A flexible approach to work; must have a valid driver's license and be willing to work some weekends and holidays.

• Comfort working in outside, variable conditions, such as rooftops.

• Ability to lift 30 lbs. also necessary.

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.

Apalachicola Shorebird Biologist - Audubon (Apalachicola)

Apalachicola Shorebird Biologist
Apalachicola, FL
Audubon Florida

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5339/biologist%2c-apalachicola-shorebird/job   

Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a Biologist, Apalachicola Shorebird with boat handling experience to support beach-nesting season and nonbreeding season bird conservation work in the Eastern Florida Panhandle. They will work remotely in the Apalachicola region of southern Franklin County and travel to complete most of the work on and around beaches and islands including Little St. George Island, Dog Island, Flag Island Critical Wildlife Area, St. George Island Causeway Critical Wildlife Area and other sites as assigned.

From February to August, or later if nesting activity continues (breeding season), the Biologist, Apalachicola Shorebird will be responsible for performing independent beach-nesting bird monitoring and protection work primarily in Franklin County, Florida. Responsibilities include the following, in addition to other as-needed duties:

• Posting symbolic fencing around beach-nesting bird sites and maintaining said posting.

• Monitoring nest sites weekly, at minimum, for evidence of disturbance or predation.

• Documenting nonbreeding Piping, Snowy, Wilson’s plovers, and Red Knots, and other focal species.

• Performing weekly bird surveys to collect demographic data according to specified protocol, and banded bird resighting as directed; and

• Protecting sites from disturbance through predation management and game camera monitoring in cooperation with site managers and partner agencies, educating beachgoers about coastal bird species while encouraging compliance with posted areas, and engaging in outreach to user groups through presentations at organizational meetings.

From mid-August through mid-February (“non-breeding season”), they will be responsible for completing biweekly winter coastal bird surveys and banded bird resighting focusing on Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Snowy Plover, primarily in Franklin County, Florida, and elsewhere in the Florida Panhandle as needed; assisting with volunteer recruitment, management, and training; carrying out equipment maintenance; and giving public presentations and beach walks as outreach to key user groups that may impact conservation of coastal birds in the Florida Panhandle.

Compensation:

$42,500/year

Essential Functions

• In communication with the Panhandle Shorebird Project Manager and close collaboration with Carrabelle Shorebird Biologist, complete all site surveys.

• Post symbolic fencing as required or immediately when new nest sites are located.

• Conduct weekly, at a minimum, monitoring for nesting progress, predation, and disturbance according to the terms of Audubon’s contractual requirements.

• Survey assigned sites weekly, at minimum, to collect avian demographic data and enter data into the Florida Shorebird Database or other database as required and in a timely manner.

• Plan and conduct community outreach efforts such as public presentations, tabling events, and beach walks while educating and engaging the public about Florida’s focal shore/seabird species.

• Actively participate in regional working groups and partner workshops including delivering periodic technical presentations.

• Assist with other shorebird conservation and survey efforts.

• Determine and implement decision that minimize disturbance through predation management, data collection use of game cameras or other technology, alteration of posted nest-site boundaries, removal of posting materials and field equipment in advance of severe storm warnings, manage and report on bird mortalities, and implement disturbance minimization methods at nesting sites or migratory bird congregation sites.

• Review and conduct appropriate analysis of georeferenced data in Google Earth or ArcGIS Online software to provide quality control prior to submittal.

• Contribute to technical report writing as needed and submitting content for program-related publications in a variety of media.

• Oversee the maintenance needs of assigned program vehicles, trailers, boats and ATV/UTVs.

• Mentor and manage volunteers in monitoring, surveying, and stewardship activities.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required; master’s degree substitutes for 1 year of professional experience.

• 3 years/seasons demonstrated expertise in bird identification and performing demographic bird surveys using rigorous protocols is required. At least two years of experience in shorebird or seabird identification and rigorous surveys are required.

• Demonstrate experience operating and maintaining motorboats with trailer launch in challenging nearshore marine conditions or equivalent experience in freshwater environments is required.

• Kayak paddling experience in nearshore marine or open-water conditions is a plus.

• Demonstrated success with accurate recording of field-collected data and data entry using MS Excel, MS Access, or online web portal data entry is required.

• Must have strong organizational and analytical skills and great attention to detail.

• Superior communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and with multiple stakeholder groups. Comfort presenting in a group setting is a must.

• Excellent judgment, problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills, with a high degree of integrity in all deliverables.

• Demonstrated experience working with external partners and volunteers.

• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs., and ability to traverse up to 5 miles on the beach carrying spotting scope, binoculars, and daypack with or without accommodation.

• Demonstrated experience with performing field work in challenging coastal conditions year-round.

• Ability to think strategically and creatively while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Familiarity with coastal conservation lands of the Florida Panhandle a plus.

• Experience with setting up and operating cameras, including mobile (GoPro type), game cameras and remote detection technologies preferred.

• Familiarity with Florida coastal bird management and coastal conservation lands of the Florida Panhandle a plus.

• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed, in Florida summer field conditions.

• Ability to effectively manage time and complete tasks independently with minimal oversight.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• A genuine passion for conservation and for the mission of the National Audubon Society is a must.

Scientist 4 - SFWMD (Okeechobee)

Scientist 4

Okeechobee Service Center

3657BR

Scientist 4 | SFWMD (brassring.com)

Job Description

The office and reporting location for this position will be the Okeechobee Service Center Office located in the city of Okeechobee.

The Land Management Unit within the District’s Land Resources Bureau oversees the planning and implementation of natural resources management functions on District conservation lands.  The Kissimmee River Region Scientist 4 within the Land Management Unit is an experienced Scientist position responsible for administering resource and public use land management functions on over 56,820 acres of conservation and project lands within the District’s Kissimmee/Okeechobee Land Management Region.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Assist with the planning and implementation of all regional land management functions including, but not limited to, prescribed burning, contracted exotic plant control activities, mechanical vegetation management, and restoration activities.

• Administer Regional agricultural lease operations and provide field support to ensure the lessees are meeting BMP standards and that District land management objectives are being met.

• Assist the District’s Public Use and Wildlife Unit with implementing Regional recreation plans and maintaining public use facilities.

• Assist with the development and implementation of Regional annual operational plans and budgets in accordance with District protocols, track expenditures, monitor project progress, and prepare Regional accomplishments reports.

• Assist with the coordination of Regional prescribed fires efforts, operate myriad field equipment, conduct aerial inspections, and provide other field staff support.

• Where appropriate, recommend process improvements and procedural changes to more effectively and efficiently implement the District’s Strategic Plan.

• Occasionally represent the Section and/or Bureau on District taskforces, at interagency meetings, and in public forums.

Incumbent shall possess strong written and oral communication skills and will be expected to work productively in a group setting with co-workers and other agencies.  Assignments for developmental purposes may include some work that is typical of a higher-level scientist position.

Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrates knowledge of and skills in:
•           South Florida ecology and ecological restoration principles
•           Practical natural resources management
•           Leadership and personnel management
•           Diplomacy, relationship building, and customer relations
•           Oral and written communication and strategic thinking
•           Consensus and confidence-building
•           Effective organizational skills

Employment Guidelines (May be filled as Scientist 3):
Scientist 4:  Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline is preferred and 4+ years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.

Scientist 3:  Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline is preferred and 2+ years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Licenses:
Valid State of Florida Driver’s License.  Possession or ability to acquire a State of Florida Forest Service Prescribed Burn Manager Certification within 180 days of hire date.

Physical Requirements/ Working Environment:
This position requires a combination of office work with periodic professional or business meetings, and field work with regular exposure to hot, humid, and smoky environments in remote, wet, and/or heavily vegetated areas. Incumbent may be required to lift up to 40 lbs.

Due to the District’s response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.

Veterans’ Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veteran’s Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  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.  All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.

Salary Minimum $54,371.20

Salary Midpoint: $64,625.60

Salary Maximum $93,184.00

Organization RS3903932