NW FL Sentinel Landscape Resilience Specialist - Defenders of Wildlife

Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape Resilience Specialist

The role of the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape (NWFSL) Resilience Specialist is to collaborate closely with partners and supporters to identify, implement and accelerate collaborative projects to enhance climate resilience to protect military missions, community infrastructure and habitats. Climate resilience projects are ones that mitigate coastal and inland risks and increase resilience of military installations and the landscapes that overlap mission footprints. The Resilience Specialist will work in close coordination with the NWFSL Coordinator, the NWFSL Private Lands and Natural Systems Coordinator, the NWFSL Working Groups, the partners of the NWFSL and military installations to develop collaborative, near-and long-term, climate resilience and adaptation project proposals.

The NWFSL Resilience Specialist will report to the LegacyWorks Group (LWG or LegacyWorks) and the NWFSL Coordinator, with Defenders of Wildlife, to identify climate adaptation and resilience needs. The specialist will work with NWFSL Coordinator to develop projects and pursue complimentary funding streams. At the discretion of the NWFSL Coordinator, the Resilience Specialist may work directly with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff on how to utilize NRCS technical and financial assistance programs. The Resilience Specialist will assist the NWFSL Coordinator in updating the implementation plans and other documents for resilience issues. This position will be based in Northwest Florida and require travel throughout Northwest Florida with additional regional and national travel.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Support the NWFSL Coordinator and LWG to advance resilience planning and actions.

• Assess and record the state of resilience and climate adaptation planning, projects and priorities of federal, state, and local government agencies, military installations, NGOs, and communities in the NWFSL including coordination with on-going planning/implementation of the Northwest Florida Military Installation Resilience Review (MIRR)

• Monitor state, federal climate and private climate resiliency funding opportunities, solicit concepts, convene and support partnerships with military installations, government agencies and others, coordinate and support the development and submission of at least six collaborative proposals for near-term resilience and climate adaptation projects before the end of 2024

• Identify, recommend, and pursue funding for individual partner actions that support implementation plans, including administration of grants and contracts. Solicit project ideas and develop proposals for near-term resilience and climate adaptation projects and potential landscape resilience-related scientific research needs. that could be implemented in the first 6-12 months to take advantage of newly available funding

• Coordinate with and support the NWFSL Coordinator and coordinate the NWFSL Climate Resilience Work Group. Work effectively with partners and supporters of the NWFSL Partnership, the NWFSL Private Lands and Natural Systems Stewardship Work Group, the Southeast Regional Partnership  for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) and its Coastal Resilience and Regional Adaptation Work Group, the Department of Defense Resilience and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program; the Sentinel Landscapes Federal Coordinating Committee and military installations to advance and synchronize resilience coordination, planning and actions within the NWFSL

• At the discretion of the NWFSL coordinator, participate in NRCS State Technical Committees and/or engage at relevant events, conferences, and meetings

• Identify climate resilience issues affecting historically underserved stakeholders within the NWFSL; recommend actions to mitigate impacts

• Assist the NWFSL coordinator in developing reporting metrics and standards for landscapes including climate resilience

• Record and report quarterly and annual the resilience and climate adaptation accomplishments with NWFSL to the NWFSL Coordinator and the NWFSL Climate Resilience Work Group

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organization and time management skills

• Track record of working with historically underserved communities

• Advanced degrees or equivalent experiences in natural resource conservation, climate resilience and adaptation, or comparable field

• Proven experience in coordinating diverse interests to achieve large-scale goals.

• Proven experience in building and managing partnerships

• Experience with the administration of grants, agreements, and contracts

• Working knowledge of the military services, the Department of Defense and NRCS • Knowledge and experience with NWFSL partners

Hours & Pay

This position is full-time exempt of 40 hours per week.

Salary range is $62,000 to $70,000 based on relevant qualifications and experience.

Benefits

As a full-time salaried employee you are eligible to participate in the organization’s group medical and dental insurance plans if you elect (at this time, employer contribution is 50% of the cost for the employee only); and eligible for an $80/month home office equipment allocation from LegacyWorks to contribute to the costs of remote work. LegacyWorks also has a 401k plan which you will be eligible to participate in; we do not offer any match contribution at this time.

LegacyWorks has an unlimited paid time off policy that encompasses both holidays and vacation days. This is a trust-based pact between employer and employee and amongst team members, and it is up to each of us to communicate effectively about planning time off and manage this policy responsibly.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Workplace

LegacyWorks is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work culture. LegacyWorks Group is committed to increasing the diversity of the team, including board and staff, and continuing to improve compensation and benefits. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and value life experience and achievements. It is our duty that all employees and applicants for employment are not to be discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

To Apply.

Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Angela@legacyworksgroup.com at LegacyWorks Group, with Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape Resilience Specialist in the subject line. Applications are only accepted electronically. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. This position is funded for a 3-year period, with possibility of extension based on available funding. Applications are open until the position is filled (interviews anticipated for April 2024).

Click HERE for a PDF of this announcement

A link to this announcement can be found here:

Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape Resilience Specialist — LegacyWorks Group

About LegacyWorks Group

LegacyWorks Group is proud to serve as the Support Organization for the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership, and in this role we are managing funding from federal agency partners and serving as the place of employment for Sentinel Landscape employees including Resilience Specialists.

Our team is open-hearted, entrepreneurial and highly collaborative. Team members have a variety of  leadership, facilitation and project management experience as well as a diversity of cultural and educational backgrounds. We seek curious candidates with big hearts and sharp minds who learn fast. Our team members are comfortable with complex challenges that require collaboration, innovation, diplomacy, relationship building, leadership and high levels of partner and community engagement. We approach new ideas and challenges with optimism and show up open, curious and committed to learning. Our work requires a commitment to exploring the edges of what is possible and thus requires continuous personal and professional growth.

We seek out high impact opportunities that often will not move forward unless we can play one or more catalytic roles including facilitation, project management, process design, strategy development, planning, leadership development, community engagement, securing and structuring funding or financing, designing and launching funds, data dashboard development and more.

Real Estate Land Use Professional - SWFWMD (Brooksville)

Real Estate Land Use Professional (0264) (Hybrid Eligible)

Requisition Number: REALE002386

Posting Details

•  Posted: March 12, 2024

  Full-Time

• 2379 Broad Street
  Brooksville, FL 34604, USA

Click HERE for job Details

Description

Work for Our Water Resources.

Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water — with a career at the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District).

The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

Join our Land Resources Bureau

Here is your opportunity to support our Real Estate Services Section within our Land Resources Bureau. This position encompasses a wide variety of responsibility including land use, land acquisition, title work, and appraisals conducted under the District's Land Resources program. You will be responsible for developing, managing, and evaluating land use requests to promote efficient and appropriate use of District lands, as well as developing, negotiating and implementing land use agreements between the District and it’s cooperators. You will also review, evaluate, and manage real estate purchase and sale contracts as well as review of title work, appraisals, and closing documents. The Real Estate Land Use Professional will be responsible for review, evaluation, drafting, and management of various documents associated with temporary and less than fee interests in District lands or obtaining temporary and less than fee interests in land on behalf of the District. This position may also function as a project manager role responsible for conducting difficult and complex negotiations with landowners. You will also be responsible for participating in emergency management activities and other departmental activities. This opportunity offers an ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance. You’ll have the chance to work with a wide range of teams in this promising position, each of which plays a vital role in our efforts to preserve our most valuable natural resources. Using your expertise, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the results to ensure a brighter future for the environment of Florida.

The District supports employees who prefer flexible schedule or a remote work schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work-life balance. This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will be required to come on-site for periodic meetings and work a portion of their time remotely (must live in Florida).  Come build a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and helps support the District’s mission to protect Florida’s water resources.

District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) (employer 13% contribution + employee 3%) 

• 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday)

• Generous vacation and sick leave

• Medical and dental insurance (91- 97% District paid)

• Vision insurance 

• Deferred compensation Program

• Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance

• Long-term disability (District Paid) 

• Prescription drug coverage & mail order program 

• Health savings & flexible spending accounts

• Flexible schedule for Work-life balance

• Legal and Identity Theft protection

• Wellness program

• Public service loan forgiveness qualified employer

• Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year)

• State adoption benefit qualified employer

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – towards the FRS program and sick time

Starting Compensation:

$46,737.60 - $55,175.00

The starting salary range for the Real Estate Land Use Professional position reflects the minimum to 25% of the compensation. The starting salary will be based on the education and experience of the successful candidate. The District conducts annual performance evaluations that may award applicable pay increases based on positive employee performance.

Essential Functions

• Functions as project manager for entire project area

• Draft, amend, and manage cooperator agreements with other state and local government agencies relating to District-owned lands

• Develop and implement monitoring protocols for various cooperator programs which will ensure conditions of the programs

• Assist with acquisition of or conveyance of certain property rights including but not limited to fee acquisitions, easements, licenses, leases, rights-of-way and other property interests in support of District projects

• Contacts landowners and explains the District's real estate activities, programs, and purposes

• Prepare legal documents, review of title and other public records to determine ownership and encumbrances as well as maintaining accurate and complete records for same

Working Conditions

Approximately 80% of work is conducted in a standard office environment, with the remainder conducted in the field under varying and occasionally rugged conditions. Work activity is primarily sedentary with ability to perform continuous repetitive tasks, such as keyboarding, with one or both hands. Work activity frequently requires bending, lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Travel is required and is generally during the work day. Must be able to operate automotive equipment for 2 or more hours at a time.

Employee may be subject to call-in outside of regularly scheduled work hours, or required to be on call, including on nights, weekends or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations.

Required Credentials for Real Estate Land Use Professional 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and eight (8) years related work experience in real estate, legal, or related field OR Associates degree and six (6) years related work experience in real estate, legal, or related field OR Bachelor's degree and four (4) years related work experience in real estate, legal, or related field.

• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Credentials for Real Estate Land Use Professional 

• Supplemental courses in the principles and practices of real estate

• State Certified General Appraiser

Application Process

The District will determine eligibility for employment solely from the information provided on a District employment application. All applicants are required to complete, in full, the District employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the required District application for the purposed of qualification. Applicants who are within 30 days of graduation, if selected are not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met. 

Additional Details

The primary work location for this position is out of the Brooksville, FL office. This position is eligible for compensatory time for hours worked over 40 hours, in a week.

Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.

Accepting applications until April 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM 

About Us

The District is responsible for managing the water resources for west central Florida which includes approximately 10,000 square miles of territory spanning 16 counties and serving more than 6 million residents. Established in 1961 as a flood-protection agency, our objective is to meet the needs of current and future water users, protect and preserve our water resources, manage the water supply, protect water quality, and preserve water-related functions. 

Apply Now

Start and grow your career with the District! The District prides itself on providing a positive work environment that engages and supports our employees through flexible and remote work schedules. We provide and support learning and development for staff at all levels including conferences, association memberships, and formal education. Let us know if you have previous public sector experience that may allow for additional perks! Click on the link to apply.

#WorkForOurWater

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace/Tobacco Free Campuses.

All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, or medical condition. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge and abilities, and the feasibility of any necessary job accommodation(s).

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the District to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office Chief, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email ADACoordinator@WaterMatters.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA. 

The District participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The District does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program Coordinator - Alachua Conservation Trust (Gainesville)

Job Title: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Coordinator (Gainesville, FL)

Purpose of the Position: ACT is seeking an organized person to coordinate and manage three Regional Conservation Partnership Programs (RCPP) led by Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT).

Job Summary:

Each RCPP is centered on a specific geography in North Florida, and are public-private collaboratives that combine financial and technical resources to deliver conservation programs to private landowners. Collectively, these partnership programs will implement nearly $40 million of Farm Bill funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and a similar amount from over a dozen State, local and nonprofit contributing organizations. The Coordinator will be responsible for managing and dispersing RCPP funds, tracking deliverables and matching contributions, administering contracts and agreements, and reporting.

The RCPP Coordinator will manage the entire financial and data management process (i.e. reporting, invoicing, and grant management). They will track spending by analyzing financial statements to ensure appropriate use of awarded funds. To this end, the Coordinator will work with NRCS, ACT, and partner organizations to ensure information and data meet reporting requirements.

In addition to the core duties, the Coordinator will assist other ACT staff in coordinating RCPP outreach, education, and assessment efforts, as required by ACT’s RCPP deliverables and agreements with partner organizations. These may include frequent communications with RCPP partners, general constituency outreach and education about conservation and programs, assistance with producing print and digital materials, organizing events, and coordinating outcomes assessment efforts.

The ideal candidate for this position is highly organized, self-motivated, and has solid analytical proficiencies. They should be flexible, and diplomatic, an effective communicator (written and verbal), and able to complete complex assignments in a self-directed manner. The Coordinator shall report to the ACT Conservation Director, work closely with the lead RCPP Principals, and interact with other ACT staff involved with implementation of conservation programs.

Click HERE for a full description and instructions on how to apply.

Vegetation Sampling Technician/Intern - Brosnan Forest (Dorchester, SC)

Vegetation Sampling Technician/Intern

Brosnan Forest, Dorchester, SC

June 20-July 18, 2023

Brosnan Forest is hiring 4 technicians to sample woody vegetation in a large wetland/stream restoration project near Dorchester, South Carolina. You will learn to identify over 100 Carolina coastal plain wetland plants and gain experience in standard vegetation monitoring methodology. We offer internship credit through Clemson, $20/hour compensation, and onsite housing (small dorm). The work is full-time on weekdays June 20 to July 18 (21 days total). The job offers excellent work experience. Brosnan Forest is a beautiful property with sustainable forests, a large endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population and other incredible wildlife.

We work in teams of 3, each led by an experienced ecologist, to survey transects within restored areas, identifying and counting plants, measuring survivorship, and taking photopoints. It is hard, hot work in the full sun, often standing in up to a foot of water, bending over or standing in place for long periods of time. You must provide your own field gear (boots, sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray, drinks, field lunch). No bathrooms or other facilities are available during the workday. We generally work from sunrise to about 3pm.

Successful candidates will be enrolled in or have recently completed a biological science degree program. You must be comfortable and competent with long days in the field working in wetlands, understand basic vegetation sampling methods and plant identification, and possess ability to endure extreme heat, biting insects, high water conditions, and work in remote settings. Experience with vegetation identification is a plus.

To apply, please contact Monica Folk:

Email: MonicaFolk@embarqmail.com  

Office: 407-870-8603

Cell: 407-508-0739

Assistant Research Scientist - FWC (Gainesville)

Read more and apply here!

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Working Title: ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77000795

Salary:  $56,317/Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 03/18/2024 

We are hiring an Assistant Research Scientist in the Reptile, Amphibian and Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Subsection within the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). This is a Career Service position with benefits.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

Conducts research on wildlife species, primarily on amphibians and reptiles that are rare or endangered in Florida, to provide information needed to better conserve the species.  Develops and implements all aspects of research or monitoring projects, including study design, data collection and analysis, and report writing. Uses appropriate and current techniques to conduct research on population size and distribution, habitat use, genetic diversity, and other issues that influence the conservation of species. Works independently, with colleagues, and cooperatively with partners from agencies, institutions, universities, and the public; may supervise technicians, volunteers, and interns on research projects.  Prepares final reports for projects, publishes results in scientific journals, and prepares information for popular audiences.

Supervises assigned field research staff and volunteers and interns. Duties include: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures.

Performs routine administrative duties such as preparation of itineraries, travel vouchers, purchase order requisitions, vehicle operation reports, and other administrative reports. Participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Assist with related subsection initiatives and obligations.

Participates in agency committees, initiatives, and teams, and in meetings with other partners from other agencies.

Performs related work as required. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of standard methods of data collection and management and the principles and techniques of biological research, including data analysis and publication of results; 2 – biology, conservation, and management of Florida’s amphibians and reptiles; and 3 – ecological analysis techniques.  Ability to: 1 – capture and handle wild amphibians and reptiles, 2 – design and conduct scientific studies, 3 – effectively use common word processing and database software and ArcGIS, 4 – analyze ecological data, especially with use of current analytical software programs; 5 – properly collect biological data and organize data efficiently in electronic databases; 6 – write reports and publish results in technical journals;  7 – work effectively alone or with colleagues and partners; 8 -  work on an irregular schedule for extended hours, travel overnight as needed, and work in a variety of field conditions; 9 - manage multiple projects simultaneously;  and 10 – Safely drive 4WD vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, small boats. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for one year of the required experience.  A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for the required experience. 

*4 years professional experience in a close-related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor's degree; additional years of experience as described above are also required. 

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II - FWC (Lake Placid, FL)

Read more and apply here!

Posting Closing Date: 03/26/2024 

Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II

County: Highlands

Working hours: 8am – 5pm.

Rate of Pay: $1,538.46 biweekly 

Residency requirement: 25 miles from main entrance of Lake Wales Ridge WEA.

Level of Education: Preferred bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences or at least 4 years of relevant work experience.

Description of duties:

An exciting opportunity exists for an entry-level Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section of FWC. 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. Primary responsibilities will include assisting with the planning, development and implementation of habitat management programs to maintain and perpetuate native wildlife populations on the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area. 

This position is also responsible for the accomplishment of Commission-planned activities such as the following: prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of native and invasive non-native vegetation, design and implementation of biological surveys to monitor the status of selected species, including data analysis and report writing; development and implementation of public recreational programs; proposing regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles;  planning, development, and maintenance of projects to facilitate public use including road construction, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates;  supervising various OPS staff; and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders.        

Job duties will further include providing assistance with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, and will also include providing input and review for the preparation of programs, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, brochures and reports.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well with team members and members of the public. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include knowledge and experience with the following:

• Wildlife ecology

• Game management

• Ability to use chainsaws and hand tools

• Ability to write technical reports

• Wildlife and habitat survey and inventory knowledge

• Ability to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions

• Ability to identify common and imperiled species

• Ability to work productively unsupervised

• Strong GIS skills

• Strong leadership skills

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with cooperators, coworkers and constituents

OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II - FWC (Fort Myers)

Read more and apply here!

Posting Closing Date: 03/15/2024 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Gopher Tortoise Assistant Biologist

Hourly Rate: $20.83 per hour, 1920 hours per year 

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, a flexible work schedule may be authorized

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: Valid Driver’s License

Supervisor: Lisa Anne Esposito, SW Regional Gopher Tortoise Biologist

Applicants should submit a professional resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position. 

This position works within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This position will serve as a member of the Regional Operations program and part of FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Conservation Program. The position ensures protections for gopher tortoises are applied throughout Florida through providing customer service and technical assistance.

Minimum Qualifications: A  bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences  is preferred (such as wildlife conservation, natural resources management, environmental science, or a related subject, or four years direct experience. 

Description of duties: The Gopher Tortoise Assistant Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. This is a critical role in the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section to educate the public and conserve Florida’s only native tortoise species. This is an office-based position eligible for part-time telework and will have occasional opportunities for field work.

The individual in this position will affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida through providing information and raising awareness of protections and conservation efforts.  The main function of this role is to provide the citizens of Florida with information and subject matter expertise in a timely and professional manner. The incumbent is expected to communicate about gopher tortoise laws and regulations, conservation actions, minimizing impacts, and permits. The incumbent will communicate with the public via phone, email, and occasionally in-person. The incumbent will also have the ability to engage in field work conducting site visits to areas under consideration for permitting to verify gopher tortoise surveys/population estimates, and to ensure compliance with state rules and guidelines. Duties include providing technical assistance to the public when needed for permit applications, responding to public requests for information regarding gopher tortoises, reviewing and issuing permits to address safety issues concerning burrows or existing structures, and reporting potential violations to FWC law enforcement. In addition, the incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with a team of biologists and office personnel to support the agency’s conservation mission. It is also expected that the incumbent will participate in local outreach programs, educate adults and children about gopher tortoises and wildlife conservation, and manage the distribution of educational materials. Lastly, the incumbent is expected to stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in team meetings, seminars, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; make recommendation for how to improve public engagement; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWC. Position may require occasional overnight travel.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing skills

• Demonstrated organizational skills

• Biological knowledge

• Data management skills, including experience with Excel

• Basic database management skills

• Ability to interpret and convey complex information to a broad audience 

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Ability to interact with displeased or contentious members of the public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner 

• Ability to manage time effectively and respond to inquiries efficiently

• Ability to problem-solve and assist the public while communicating over the phone

• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers

Preferred qualifications include: 

• Experience working in wildlife conservation 

• Ability to identify native and nonnative Florida wildlife

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise biology and native habitats

• Knowledge of the Florida listed species process, permitting, and wildlife conservation

• Experience in communicating complex information to the public and responding to public inquiries

• Experience with Salesforce and SharePoint 

• Field work experience

OPS Employment Description: The position is OPS (Other Personnel Services), which means that employees are paid for the number of hours they work.  OPS employees have the option to receive health insurance benefits. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System.