Environmental Regulations Specialist - St. Lucie County ERD (Fort Pierce)

This position is in the Environmental Regulations Division within the Environmental Resources Department.

The Environmental Resources Department’s Mission is to preserve, protect and enhance St. Lucie County’s environmental resources through sustainable land management practices, regulations, public education, and outreach.

This Environmental Regulations Division reviews all proposed development to ensure compliance with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code and compatibility with the County’s long-term vision. Regulations staff is responsible at a local level to identify the habitats of critical importance, work with landowners and developers to ensure avoidance and minimization of impacts to these important areas and encourage the preservation and appropriate mitigation to compensate for any unavoidable impacts. Regulations staff also provides support for multi-departmental and multi-agency initiatives with staff expertise in wetland delineation, gopher tortoise monitoring and management, and habitat conservation planning for threatened or endangered species such as the Florida Scrub-jay.

Environmental Regulations Specialist - 051566

Pay Grade:  G10

For a full description and instructions on how to apply, click HERE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is a professional position in the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department’s (ERD) Environmental Regulations Division. This position is responsible for evaluating and issuing environmental permits, conducting pre and post land clearing inspections, endangered species inspections, landscape inspections, and any other necessary site inspections. Work involves initiative and independent performance, and contact and coordination with other Departments and Divisions, and regional and state agencies. The position reports under the supervision of the Environmental Regulations Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Respond to homeowner requests for public outreach education on native plants, common tree diseases, exotic vegetation removal, proper trimming and listed species issues.

Responsible for assisting various County Departments with environmental permitting and compliance issues.

Responsible for investigating all unauthorized vegetation removal and acts as an authorized code compliance agent in rectifying violations pertaining to environmental ordinances, codes and regulations. Maintain administrative records and submit necessary reports.

Assist in implementing various ordinances which protect the environment on a local level, (i.e.; Tree Protection Ordinances, Landscape Ordinance, etc.)

Understand and comply with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners employee handbook and other established policies and procedures.

Perform other job-related functions as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Urban and Regional Planning, or related field.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three (3) years of environmental regulation, forestry, site design/planning or code compliance related experience. Professional experience working within a program similar to the County’s Environmental Regulations Division is desired.

NOTE: An equivalent combination of experience/training and/or experience may be substituted to meet the above noted minimum qualifications.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: :  Must have a valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain within one month of employment. Must maintain a good driving record. Must possess a valid FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent Certification or have the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire. Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Level I & II Certifications are preferred but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Knowledge of:

Wildlife biology, botany, general biology, habitat requirements, land management and restoration techniques, field data collection and monitoring, and soils.

South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland permitting requirements.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gopher tortoise permitting protocol.

St. Lucie County’s Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Code Enforcement process.

Environmental planning terminology, principles, and practices.

Development and site preparation techniques, tools, and statistics.

Insect and disease problems of trees and related vegetation.

Local, state and federal regulations pertaining to County natural resource planning issues, regulations, and local government operations.

Site assessments, monitoring and reporting.

Conflict resolution.

Skills:

Read and interpret maps, surveys, plans and construction documents.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent conflict resolution skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent customer service skills.

Strong time-management skills.

Advanced office software computer skills (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and mapping and data-entry computer software skills (e.g. Excel, Arc GIS); use of GPS mapping and positioning equipment; GPS; site assessment, data collection and evaluation techniques.

Ability to:

Analyze and interpret complex data.

Interpret site plan drawings and building plans.

Identify trees and other vegetation, as well various tree diseases.

Identify sensitive habitat types such as wetland features, dune preservation zones, and upland preserve areas.

Identify threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

Provide assistance to St. Lucie County’s citizens and Departments to navigate through complex permitting processes.

Maintain complex administrative records.

Establish and maintain effective working relationship with employees, government officials, private organizations, and the general public.

Read and comprehend maps, surveys, plans and construction documents; read, write and communicate objectively, scientifically, and biologically.

Present technical information, ideas and recommendations clearly and succinctly in written and verbal form.

Demonstrate sensitivity to political, social and fiscal constraints regarding planning issues, projects and programs.

Manage, plan, organize and meet deadlines.

Work independently and show appropriate initiative to overcome challenges.

Prepare periodic and annual progress reports.

Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.

Physical Requirements: Use of both arms and legs, and good hand/eye coordination. Ability to operate County automobile. Frequent use of good near vision and good hearing. Frequent walking, standing, lifting and carrying (30 to 50 pounds), reaching above shoulders, kneeling, bending and squatting and the ability to tolerate outside working conditions for long amounts of time throughout the year. Frequent inspections to unimproved and improved sites in all weather conditions with associated wildlife, insect and terrain hazards. Frequent public contact.

Work Hazards: Periodic work inside the office in a sedentary posture. Field visits to undeveloped areas, agricultural areas and areas under development, in all weather conditions with associated wildlife, insect and terrain hazards.

Safety Equipment Used: Occasional need for a hard hat.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Land Conservation Coordinator - Nature Conservancy (Kissimmee)

The Nature Conservancy is hiring!

Florida is recruiting for a Land Conservation Coordinator (DWP) -- please see the overview below and attached posting HERE.

The Land Conservation Coordinator develops, manages, and advances conservation programs with emphasis on fire and invasive species management for The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC’s) central Florida preserves and with conservation partners in the wider central Florida landscape. The Conservation Coordinator addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species and fosters cross-site learning among conservation community members. They develop and implement conservation strategies and secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. Additional duties include participating in community engagement, ensuring the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, coordinating multiple projects, serving as a training cadre member in Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and partner stewardship courses, setting deadlines, and managing projects to completion. This position is part of the Stewardship and Field Program (SAF) and is located at the Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP) in Kissimmee, FL.

Essential functions include participating in a leadership capacity as a fire crew member during prescribed burns and wildfires, requiring the minimum TNC training and fitness standards for prescribed burning at an arduous level (ability to carry 45-pound pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes). This also requires the regular use of ignition devices, fire control hand tools, and operation of Type 6/7 engines, tractors, and other fire suppression equipment. The Land Conservation Coordinator will implement invasive species control measures, lead work teams on stewardship projects, and represent TNC on regional working groups. Responsibilities also include assisting with rare species recovery, scientific monitoring, and coordinating the collection of spatial data and maintaining records for invasive species and treatments via GIS and mobile technology. The incumbent will serve as a core team member of the Central Florida Ecosystem Restoration Team, which assists partners with prescribed fire operations, invasive species control, collection of monitoring data and records in accordance with grant deliverables for reporting. The role ensures maintenance of tools, equipment, and infrastructure, conducts public outreach, and leads resource management trainings. The position supervises staff and interns, overseeing their performance, training, and recruitment. Work is performed in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule (i.e. ability to work weekends and holidays as necessary).

If you are interested, please see the link below, or pass on the attached job posting to your networks and help us fill this role! This position will report to Allen McDowell. If you have any questions, please reach out.

Job #55445

Internal Applicants​ through Peoplesoft.

External Applicants; additional information about working for TNC can be found here.

Senior Sanctuary Manager - Audubon (Tampa)

Senior Sanctuary Manager

Audubon Florida

Tampa, FL

Apply online at: https://wd5.myworkday.com/audubon/d/inst/1$9925/9925$1838.htmld

Position Summary

The Audubon Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries (FCIS) Senior Sanctuary Manager is responsible for overseeing the management and protection of colonial wading bird colonies along the central Gulf Coast of Florida. This includes direct management of over 28 island sites, monitoring nesting birds at over 80 locations, and leading efforts in data collection, analysis, and management. The Senior Sanctuary Manager leads a range of activities, including posting, patrol, erosion control projects, vegetation management, predation management, and outreach to agencies and the public for conservation awareness. The Senior Sanctuary Manager also serves as the face for Audubon in Tampa, regularly leading tours of the bay and interacting with the media and public figures.

In addition to colony management, the Senior Sanctuary Manager leads major grant-funded projects aimed at improving or creating habitats, such as removing non-native vegetation, restoring native habitats, and implementing erosion control measures like offshore breakwaters. This position collaborates with Port Tampa Bay and the Army Corps of Engineers to support dredge material beneficial use projects to enhance coastal bird habitat.

This is a full-time, 40 hours a week hybrid position based out of the FCIS office in Tampa, Florida. This position supervises the FCIS Coastal Biologist and seasonal staff, recruits and organizes volunteers, develops, and manages grants to fund colony management and habitat protection and enhancement projects and engages on policy issues relevant to coastal bird protection, media, and outreach, and fundraising in collaboration with Audubon Florida’s development staff.

Compensation:

$70,000-$80,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Successfully manage the completion of Audubon's GEBF-funded Breakwater construction projects.

• Manage, protect, and monitor coastal bird islands and rookery sites.

• Identify needs and opportunities for projects to restore and enhance coastal bird habitat.

• Secure funding for, plan and implement large- and small-scale habitat restoration and enhancement projects.

• Recruit, train, and support permanent and seasonal staff.

• Regularly assist the Coastal Biologist with field work including colony monitoring, shoreline cleanup, and engaging with the public.

• Support the Coastal Biologist with data collection, entry, management, and sharing.

• Work with the public, agency staff, Port of Tampa, Army Corps of Engineers, and others to improve conservation of birds, other wildlife, and habitats.

• Lead tours and field trips with public figures, media, and donors.

• Engage the boating public about the need for bird protection and conservation and trespass restrictions inside Critical Wildlife Areas.

• In coordination with the Director of Bird Conservation, develop and manage project budgets.

• Prepare grants proposals and reports.

• Oversee the deployment and maintenance needs of program vehicles, trailers, boats and UTVs.

• Coordinate with local and state law enforcement to provide training opportunities for officers and enlist officers’ support to reduce disturbance and respond to wildlife violations.

• Communicate Audubon's work to the public through traditional and new media.

• Train and manage volunteer participation through Project Colony Watch and other activities.

• Organize activities with Audubon's partners, including shoreline cleanups, habitat enhancement projects, and oyster restoration projects.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university wildlife biology or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A minimum of 7 years' project management experience required, including developing, permitting, and implementing habitat conservation projects.

• Minimum one year of experience managing and mentoring staff and/or volunteers and fostering a supportive and effective team environment.

• Knowledge of coastal bird conservation issues and Tampa Bay strongly preferred.

• Must be self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Capable of balancing a fast-paced work environment and multiple deadlines.

• Have good attention to detail, with excellent time-management and organizational skills.

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus, as well as excellent customer service skills.

• Strong public speaking skills including the ability to communicate enthusiasm for Audubon’s work in Tampa Bay and engage with an audience.

• Minimum one year of experience in planning, tracking, and managing budgets and revenue.

• Experience with fundraising and grant writing asset.

• Experience with boating, and trailering required.

• Must be able to move 30 lbs., and traverse long distances miles on beach in summer field conditions carrying spotting scope, binoculars, and daypack with or without accommodation.

• Proficiency in MS Office, comfortable in using other software applications and capacity to learn new software.

• Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work.

• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license for operating an Audubon vehicle.

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

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.

Wildlife Specialist - USDA (Homestead, FL)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

OPEN DATE: June 17, 2024

CLOSING DATE: June 28, 2024

POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

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 #: WSFL-FY24-SE05

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-5/6

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0404-06

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

LOCATIONS: Homestead Air Reserve Base, Homestead, FL

SALARY: $42,151 - $61,085 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

This is a Wildlife Specialist position at Homestead Air Reserve Base.  This position works directly with the Biologist at Homestead ARB which is host to the 482nd fighter wing.  Homestead is located right on the edge of the Everglades and less than 30 minutes to the Florida Keys. 

For a full description of the position and instructions on how to apply, please click HERE

Field Inspector - Lee County (Lehigh Acres, FL)

Lee County Mosquito/Hyacinth Control Districts

Field inspector

SALARY

$25.00 - $29.19 Hourly

LOCATION

Lehigh Acres, FL

JOB TYPE

Full-time

JOB NUMBER

2024-14

ORGANIZATION

Mosquito Control

DEPARTMENT

Mosquito Larvaciding

OPENING DATE

06/18/2024

Description

Field Inspector - Perform inspections and spray missions for mosquitoes in assigned area, assist with maintenance of trails, heliports/facilities, assist with loading helicopters with fuel and chemicals as well as other duties as operational needs dictate

Essential Functions

• Inspects assigned geographical areas for the presence of larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes and records findings 

• Monitor rainfall, tide, trap, service requests and other Mapvision data, to determine which areas to inspect and treat, which control method is most appropriate and arrange to have the necessary equipment to execute the mission 

• Discuss daily inspection/treatment plans with Supervisor and adjust plans as needed to accomplish daily operational priorities 

• Responsible for inspecting and treating habitats that support larval development including yards around homes, roadside ditches, storm retention/detention areas, and storm drains   

• Perform ground larviciding and adulticiding spray missions as needed in assigned areas

• Records and reports the results of all surveillance, larviciding and adulticiding activities to supervisor

• Responds to resident service requests, as assigned by Mosquito Control Biologist I/II/III, by conducting a field investigation and reporting findings into MapVision on Toughbook at time of inspection

• Responsible for entering inspection, back check and spray data into database at time of inspection/spray into MapVision via iPhone App and/or Toughbook

• Conduct back checks as required by FDACS on areas treated, evaluate the efficacy of control practices imposed and determine next course of action to correct any deficiency

• Survey for any unexpected environmental response to control practices and follow appropriate notification and documentation protocol

• Transports fuel and chemicals to needed locations

• Conduct walk around pre-trip vehicle inspections and ensures all necessary supplies and materials are present to complete trip

• Responsible for wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Communicate with the public in a professional and courteous manner and refer all inquiries outside area of expertise back to the appropriate person at the District

• Follow District Safety policies and procedures and comply with all local, state and federal regulations at all times

• Responsible for ensuring all assigned equipment is maintained and repaired as needed

• Responsible for reporting damage to vehicle/ equipment in a timely manner

• Must have regular and predictable attendance

• Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent

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

• Ability to operate a variety of small equipment, as well as towing/operating a trailer

• Must have basic math skills

• Must have an ability to learn and identify a variety of mosquito species

• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and have the ability to learn and operate internal, web based, GPS and mapping programs including entering data into phone Apps and databases

• Ability to fly in helicopters

• Must be able to read, communicate and understand technical instructions in English

• Must have a valid Class E drivers license and a clean driving record

• Must hold a current Public Health License or obtain one within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification by earning appropriate CEUs (continuing education units)

• Must be able to read and understand chemical labels

• May be required to obtain Part 107 Certification

• May be required to obtain a CDL license

Supplemental Information

EOE/DFWP.  Veterans’ preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.

Agency

Lee County Mosquito/Hyacinth Control Districts

Address

15191 Homestead Rd
Lehigh Acres, Florida, 33971

Website

http://www.lcmcd.org

Applicants must apply directly to:

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

Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist IV - FWC (Tallahassee)

Read more and apply here!

Position Number:  77073166

Location: Russell Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL 32311

Salary: $1,923.08 biweekly + benefits

Deadline to apply: June 23rd, 2024

Supervisor:  Michelina Dziadzio

Region:  Northwest

Class Title:  FTT Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

County:  Leon

Working Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Work outside of a regular 8-hour schedule may occasionally be required.

List of Subordinates Supervised:  1 OPS Biological Scientist III (Gopher Tortoise Monitoring Coordinator), and 1 FTT Biological Scientist III (Species and Habitat Monitoring Coordinator)

Residency Requirement:  None

Level of Education:  Prefer a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences with two years of supervisory and professional experience in conservation programs strongly preferred. Years of experience can substitute for a degree.

A resume or cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. 

Description of Duties:  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking a fish and wildlife professional for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This position requires a passion for conservation, dedication to working with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to work creatively to address conservation challenges.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education and numerous agency trainings for professional development.   

This position serves as the Monitoring Coordinator within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of FWC. The individual in this position oversees a team responsible for tracking the implementation and effectiveness of plans and actions that promote the conservation of Florida’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This includes identifying monitoring needs, tracking progress towards program goals, evaluating effectiveness of actions, and communicating conservation progress to various audiences. This position will coordinate with other sections and divisions of the FWC and external partners to leverage resources to improve monitoring of species, habitats, conservation threats and actions.

The incumbent will supervise two positions that coordinate and enhance monitoring of fish, wildlife, and habitats in support of maintaining Florida’s wildlife diversity. The incumbent and their monitoring team will also apply adaptive management and participate on revisions to Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan, Imperiled Species Management Plan, and Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, as applicable. In addition, the monitoring team leads completion of written communication materials by compiling and summarizing data and generating written reports.

The individual in this position will serve as a resource to others in FWC on current species, habitat, and landscape monitoring efforts throughout the state, and will effectively communicate about agency and partner efforts to promote program goals. This includes serving as a leader, member, and/or statewide representative on multiple internal and external teams. They will also be expected to speak publicly to further Florida’s conservation mission including giving presentations at internal FWC meetings, external working groups, and stakeholder meetings. To be effective in this position, the ideal candidate will be skilled at managing and leading a team, facilitating project development, leveraging technologies and resources, and adapting to unexpected conservation challenges.

Although this is not a field position, there are opportunities for assisting with field-based projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate for this position will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation. They will possess exceptional leadership, supervisory, partnership relations, administration, and project and time management skills.

The position requires strong abilities in project management, including timeline development, budget oversight, and the ability to establish clear objectives. The employee must be skilled at determining work priorities, eliciting cooperation as necessary to achieve objectives, and ensure proper completion of work assignments and program activities. The employee must be able to apply technical and scientific knowledge to develop and implement projects; analyze, interpret, and explain complex technical issues regarding wildlife conservation activities; and interpret operational needs and develop integrated creative solutions. This position requires effective communication, verbally and in writing, and in promoting interpersonal relationships, as well as the ability to confidently deliver information through public speaking and presentations. The ability to work 40 hours a week with occasional overnight travel for conferences, meetings, training, and other relevant activities is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of Florida’s fish and wildlife, ecology, and natural communities. Familiarity with conservation plans pertaining to Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and effectiveness monitoring of conservation activities is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online is desired. 

Species and Habitat Monitoring Coordinator - FWC (Tallahassee)

Species and Habitat Monitoring Coordinator

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Tallahassee, FL
Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly

Deadline to apply: May 28th, 2024

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III, working title Species and Habitat Monitoring Coordinator.

Please click here to be directed to the position posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F&W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-III-77072935-FL-32311/1167469400/.

Requisition No: 828132 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77072935

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072935 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + Benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 05/28/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Position Number:  77072935

Location:  Russell Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL 32311 preferred; one of FWC’s regional offices may be considered based on applicant’s qualifications

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits

Supervisor:  Michelina Dziadzio

Broadband Code:  19-1023-03

Class Code:  5074

Region:  Northwest

Class Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County:  Leon

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm

Work outside of regular 8-hour schedule may occasionally be required.

List of Subordinates Supervised:  None

Residency Requirement:  None

Level of Education:  Prefer a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences or two years of professional experience in conservation programs, preferred. Years of experience can substitute for a degree.

A resume or cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. 

Description of Duties.  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.  The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking a fish and wildlife professional for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This position requires a passion for conservation, dedication to working with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to work creatively to address conservation challenges.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education and numerous agency trainings for professional development.   

This position serves as the Species and Habitat Monitoring Coordinator within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of FWC. This role serves as a key team member responsible for monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of plans and actions that promote the conservation of Florida’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This may include identifying monitoring needs, tracking progress towards program goals, and evaluating effectiveness of actions on a landscape scale. This position also applies adaptive management and assists with revisions to Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan, Imperiled Species Management Plan, and Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, when applicable.

This position leads coordination and maintenance of FWC’s species conservation status and trend database, identifying and setting timelines and priorities, updating guidance documents, and providing training and assistance to staff. This position also maintains other datasets including conservation action tracking data and occasionally community science data. To be effective in this position, the candidate should be skilled at leveraging technologies to analyze, improve, and implement new tools to collect and manage species and habitat data.

The biologist hired for this position will serve as a leader, member, and/or statewide representative on various teams to achieve program goals. They will be expected to speak publicly to further Florida’s conservation mission; this may include presenting at internal FWC meetings, external working groups, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events. In addition, this position assists with written communication materials by compiling, summarizing, and analyzing data, as well contributing to written reports.

Although this is not a field position, there are opportunities for assisting with field-based projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation. The preferred candidate will have strong organizational (time management, project management, data management), customer service, and problem-solving skills. Prior understanding of or experience with scientific and/or technical writing is important. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and should demonstrate proficiency in using technical and scientific expertise to inform and execute projects. The ability to work 40 hours a week with occasional overnight travel for conferences, meetings, training, and other relevant activities is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of Florida’s fish and wildlife, ecology, and natural communities. Familiarity with conservation plans pertaining to Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and effectiveness monitoring of conservation activities is strongly preferred. In addition, the candidate should have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, contribute to a team setting, and be able to work independently. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS Online is desired.  

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: Tallahassee