OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Lake City)

To view more details and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 09/13/2024 

Pay Plan: Temp

Salary:  $23.44 an hour 

OPS-Amount of Hours Worked Per Fiscal Year: 1,920

Supervisor: Samantha Johnston

Physical Address: North Central Regional Office. 3377 E. U.S. Highway 90, Lake City, FL 32055-8795.

Phone Number -(386) 758-0525.

Region: North Central

County: Columbia

Nearest Major Market: Lake City

Working hours: 8 am – 5 pm

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Description of Duties:

This is a scientific and public-facing position to facilitate volunteer and participatory science engagement while leading conservation-based projects for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The successful applicant will serve as a Volunteer Program Biologist within the Public Access Services Office in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This position is stationed at the North Central Regional Office in Lake City, FL, with opportunities to support projects across all divisions.

This position provides direct volunteer coordination for conservation projects, while working collaboratively with a wide range of biologists, land managers and stakeholders. The position supports projects on a wide range of species and habitats found in the north central region of Florida. The Volunteer Program Biologist designs, plans, implements, and monitors conservation projects that use volunteers; recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for these projects; and provides volunteer management support and participatory science best practices to FWC’s land managers and biologists. The Volunteer Program Biologist also networks partners to implement conservation projects that use volunteers on public and private lands.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, self-motivated individual committed to conservation. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational, leadership, community development, project design, and communication skills; and will demonstrate dedication to the FWC’s mission and conservation of Florida’s fish, wildlife, and habitat resources. Broad-based working knowledge of local ecology and a variety of Florida’s non-game species across multiple taxa is preferred.

Duties:

• Data Collection, Analysis and Synthesis:

• Designs and/or implements survey protocols for threatened and endangered wildlife.

• Monitors and evaluates long-term conservation projects that use volunteers, including participatory science projects.

• Implements adaptive management strategies to achieve project goals.

• Coordination:

• Designs, leads, and manages multiple concurrent conservation projects that involve volunteers.

• Directs the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers and accurate volunteer documentation.

• Ensures volunteers are appropriately trained to meet rigorous scientific protocol standards.

• Develops and maintains partnerships with external agencies and organizations to implement conservation projects that use volunteers on public and private lands.

• Plans and implements volunteer recognition events.

• Program Development and Administration:

• Works closely with the FWC Volunteer Program Manager as well as the other regional Volunteer Program Biologists to develop and promote the FWC Volunteer Program.

• Counsels FWC staff on volunteer and participatory science best management practices.

• Participates as an active member of the FWC’s Volunteer Standing Team.

• Participates as an active member of habitat and species working groups or strategic teams as needed.

• Prepares quarterly and annual reports and other reports as needed.

• Creates content for the FWC Volunteers Facebook page and volunteer newsletter.

• Presents at regional and statewide meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.

• Assists with volunteer data management and tracking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in a volunteer leadership or management role.

• Broad-based working knowledge of a variety of non-game Florida species across multiple taxa.

• Knowledge of the ecosystems of Florida (or Southeastern United States), wildlife management practices, and conservation threats.

• Ability to analyze biological data and to report it in a scientific manner.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to set and meet deadlines.

• Ability to communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, both independently and as part of a team.

• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective oral and written communication skills including public speaking and preparing multi-media presentations.

• Ability to effectively use computer programs to conduct work duties (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access).

• Knowledge of database management and/or GIS software programs.

• Knowledge of social media applications.

• Ability and willingness to travel overnight and during the day for projects, meetings, and workshops. Travel for day trips as well as overnight travel within a 200-mile radius and beyond the boundaries of the FWC’s North Central Region, as well as travel throughout the state and out of the state for conferences. Approximately 25%-50% of this position’s time includes travel, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings, as necessary.

• Ability to work outdoors conducting land management activities in remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances.

• Ability to operate power tools safely, including chainsaws, and to train and supervise volunteers performing fieldwork to adhere to safety guidelines and precautions.

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science. Preferred with social science/business management coursework AND 1-3 years volunteer management experience. Experience in the field of wildlife biology can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education. Employment Contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Carrabelle, FL)

Click here to view the full job posting and apply!

Posting Closing Date: 09/09/2024 

Salary:  $22.15 an hour 

Location: 290 Airport Road, Carrabelle, FL 32322

Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee

Phone: 850-697-0014

Supervisor: Michelle Rice

Working hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty.

Subordinates supervised: 1 OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician and 1 Seasonal OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician (Intern).

Residency requirement: Florida, must reside within a 25 mile radius of Tate’s Hell WMA

Level of Education: Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in a life or physical science

License Requirements: Minimum of a Class E Florida driver’s license and obtain and maintain Florida Certified Burn Manager Certification.

OPS Employment – This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff have the potential for health insurance benefits and participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program.

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

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Northwest Region Wildlife and Habitat Management Section is seeking a highly motivated biologist to work with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Florida Forest Service (FFS), NGOs, and other stakeholders to manage natural communities and wildlife resources at Tate’s Hell, and Apalachicola Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The incumbent, under the direct supervision of the District Wildlife Biologist, coordinates and consults with FFS and USFS regarding resource and wildlife management practices including natural community restoration, imperiled species management, timber harvesting, public access, prescribed burning, and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Leads adaptive efforts to restore red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat, establish new recruitment clusters, and monitor the RCW population and recruitment success at Tate’s Hell WMA (e.g. tree inventory, fledgling checks, artificial cavity installation).

Assists with the application of habitat management activities including prescribed burning, timber thinning, longleaf pine restoration, mechanical and chemical control of native and exotic vegetation, and supplemental planting for wildlife. Conducts monitoring and data collection/analysis for locally important and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols. Conducts population surveys including Northern bobwhite covey call counts and deer spotlight/distance sampling. Works with the Agency’s Bear Management Program and local officials to assist with nuisance bear/wildlife issues. Conducts vegetation surveys as needed and monitors vegetation response to habitat manipulations. Assists land management partners with planning and development of projects to facilitate public use including public hunts and recreational use programs (e.g. collection of biological data from harvested animals, data analysis/reporting, permitting, rule change proposals, commenting, and review, public user engagement).

Performs administrative duties including supervision of employees in accordance with Agency policies and procedures, contract and budget management, project reporting, equipment maintenance, and assists lead agencies with maintenance of public use infrastructure (e.g. roads, parking areas, kiosks, picnic facilities, trails, boat ramps, water control structures, fences, gates). Collaborates with staff at other conservation areas, provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies, and participates in team meetings, seminars, and workshops related to wildlife resource management.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys including game and nongame species, analyzing data, and summarizing results. Experience with the use of ArcGIS and GPS and its application. Possess proficient writing skills. Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles and ATVs. Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds. Experience with supervision of others on the job. Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers. Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Strong land management skills are required to evaluate habitat conditions and to plan, prescribe and complete appropriate habitat treatments. Applicant must have applied knowledge of wildlife populations and habitat management techniques in Florida. GIS and other technological skills are also requisite for this level of land management. Job requirements therefore consist of the KSAs described above, or a solid foundation of habitat management in Florida, coupled with the motivation, initiative, and proclivity to develop and apply the KSAs listed above. 

Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist II - FWC (Bristol, FL)

To view the full posting and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 08/29/2024 

Salary:  $1,538.46 biweekly + benefits 

Phone: (850) 827-2349

Supervisor: Will Harris 

Location:  BRISTOL, FL, US, 32321

Nearest Major Market: Panama City

Location: must reside within a 25-mile radius of Telogia Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Liberty County 

Working hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty. Occasional overnight travel is required.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: Florida, must reside within a 25-mile radius of Telogia Creek WMA.

Minimum Level of Education – Preferred Bachelor of Science degree in life or physical science. Four years of direct, related experience may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree.

License Requirements: Minimum Florida Class E Driver’s License.

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

Description of duties:

The FWC’s Northwest Region Wildlife and Habitat Management Section is seeking a highly motivated Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II to assist the Lead Area Biologist to plan, develop, and implement management activities to manage wildlife populations, improve wildlife habitat and provide public recreational opportunities on the newly acquired Telogia Creek Wildlife Management Area in Liberty County. The incumbent, under the direct supervision of the Lead Area Wildlife Biologist, assists with the planning, development and implementation of natural community restoration and maintenance and wildlife management programs on the area. Prepares various plans and documents that guide multiple-use management. Plans and assists with the application of land management treatments including prescribed burning, timber thinning, mowing, roller chopping, groundcover restoration, chemical control of invasive plants, and maintenance of wildlife openings. Surveys and monitors game, locally important and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols. Conducts vegetation surveys including those of imperiled native flora and monitors vegetation response to habitat manipulations. Plans, develops and oversees construction and maintenance of public use infrastructure including roads, parking areas, kiosks, picnic facilities, trails, boat ramps, water control structures, fences, gates, and equipment maintenance/storage compound as needed. Assists with management of public recreational use programs. Manages public hunts and collection of biological data. Assists with wildlife disease surveillance. Analyzes and reports data to direct future management decisions. Assists and collaborates with staff on other conservation areas and provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including nuisance bear abatement. Participates in team meetings, seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management or other training opportunities. Provides presentations to conservation organizations, schools, and civic groups. Completes other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•   Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys including game and nongame species, analyzing data, and summarizing results

•   Knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire

•   Knowledge and experience with chemical or mechanical control of invasive nonnative vegetation

•   Knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS and its application.

•   Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles, tractors, farm implements, ATVs, and outboard motors

•   Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions

•   Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds

•   Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments, multi-task

•   Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers

•   Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data

•   Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, etc.)

Wildlife Biologist (Bear) - USDA (Panama City)

OPEN DATE: August 26, 2024

CLOSING DATE: September 3, 2024

POSITION TITLE: Wildlife Biologist (Bear)– 1 Position

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

WORK SCHEDULE: Fulltime – 40 hours per week

ANNOUNCEMENT #: WSER-07-2024-FL-Panama City

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0486-7/9

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0486-09

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

LOCATIONS: Panama City, FL (Tyndall AFB)

SALARY: $49,025 to $77,955 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

For a full description of the position, click HERE

OPS F&W Biologist II - FWC (Gainesville)

Click here to view more details and apply.

FWC - FWRI office of Terrestrial Mammal Research

OPS F&W Biologist II

$18-20 per hour depending on experience

Posting Opening Date: 08/12/2024 

Posting Closing Date: 09/02/2024
Start Date: 9/05/2024 - 9/19/2024, flexible

1105 SW Williston Road

Gainesville, FL 32601

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

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

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. Valid driver license
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience. Valid drivers license.
 
Preferred Qualifications: 

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences is preferred.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
Position requires a combination of office and field work. Work hours vary and may require nonstandard work times including nights, weekends, and workdays that extend beyond 8 hours. Employee will be compensated for approved overtime. Trips for field work may be required for up to 2 weeks during which lodging and compensation for meals/per diem will be provided. Rabies vaccination or passing rabies titer test within the past two years will be required upon hiring.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Employee’s primary responsibility will be to assist with field work and data management for several projects focusing on forest bat species throughout central and southern Florida. This research focuses on tricolored bats and Florida bonneted bats with an emphasis on characterizing roosts, evaluating genetics, and conducting population monitoring. The results of these studies will directly inform management and conservation strategies for these threatened and federally endangered species. Position will work in several protected areas near Naples, Miami, and Gainesville that may include but is not limited to: Big Cypress National Preserve, Southern Glades WEA and Ocala National Forest. Employee will work both cooperatively with supervisor and colleagues, and independently.

Data collection for these projects may include but is not limited to: acoustic surveys, bat capture and processing, radio-tagging and tracking, emergence counts and vegetation surveys. Employee will capture bats using mist nets, collect samples and morphometric measurements, and use radiotelemetry to track bats on the ground during the day to locate their roosts. Employee will assist with winter surveys of caves, culverts and bridges for roosting bats, collect environmental data, and conduct surveillance for white-nose syndrome through swabbing. Employee will conduct emergence counts and vegetation surveys at roosts. Employee will ensure that all data collected are organized clearly and entered into appropriate databases and stored appropriately for future analysis or review and will assist with preparing reports, tables and figures.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology principles and techniques, mammalian biology and conservation, and techniques for capturing or monitoring of wild mammals

• Experience capturing bats and a familiarity with methods used to study bats

• Strong skills with data management including data entry, organization, and experience with QA/QCing data.

• Skills in the safe and proper use of scientific and field equipment, including 4-wheel-drive and off-road vehicles; Must possess valid driver’s license

• Ability to work with FWC staff and other agencies, biologists, managers and private citizens

• Ability to work independently in extreme field conditions and isolated locations

• Ability to work a variable schedule to complete tasks and responsibilities as required

• Working knowledge and experience with MS Excel or other data management software

• Ability to write and speak clearly and properly when communicating with fellow employees or the public

Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist III - FWC (Eustis)

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III

Date:  Jul 30, 2024

Location:  EUSTIS, FL, US, 32726 EUSTIS, FL, US, 32727 EUSTIS, FL, US, 32736

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website.

Requisition No: 832983 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000967

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000967 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 08/15/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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

Address: 601 W. Woodward Avenue, Eustis, Florida, 32726

County: Lake

Region: Northeast

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III – 77000967

Position number: 77000967

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Working Hours: M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM (Hours may vary based on workload and may be required to work weekends and non-traditional hours.)

Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly + benefits

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section: Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration

Sub-section: Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement

Supervisor: Dan Kolterman

Phone:   (352) 800-5024

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

Applicants must provide a resume and cover letter. 

Applicants must provide examples of peer reviewed papers and published papers.

Note that supporting documentation does not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida employment application form. 

Click HERE to apply

Description Of Duties: 
The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section is seeking an aquatic habitat restoration biologist to develop and manage projects on lakes, rivers, and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife resources.  The position will work within the Central Florida AHRE multidisciplinary team, and independently.

This position is responsible for development of budget proposals, project specifications, contract management, and reporting. The position identifies aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities, secures internal or external project funding, hires and oversees contractors to complete habitat projects, and conducts assessment of project effectiveness.  In addition, the position will interact professionally with the public and partners providing technical expertise on aquatic habitat management. Occasional travel is required to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Required Duties Include But Are Not Limited to The Following:

• Identify, develop, coordinate, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration projects that maximize benefits to fish and wildlife resources

• Removal of nuisance vegetation and organic sediments, herbicide treatment of aquatic plants, planting of beneficial wetland vegetation species and utilization of other wetland restoration techniques.

• Procure necessary state and federal permits required for project implementation.

• Develop project bid documents and contracts.

• Provide contract management of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.

• Provide contractor oversight of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.

• Operation of drones for vegetation or wildlife management

• Work across FWC divisions and cooperate with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration program.

• Participate in and provide input to internal (FWC sponsored) and external (non-FWC sponsored) aquatic resource management groups.

• Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling.

• Evaluate and predict environmental response to project activities in coordination with other FWC division, office, and section personnel.

• Create and maintain databases of collected scientific data and maps of project areas using appropriate computer software.

• Prepare, publish, and present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (quarterly/annual/completion reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets.

• Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.

• Be proficient in the operation of 4X4 vehicles and maintenance of project vehicles.

• Be proficient in the operation of boats, trailers, and airboats and maintenance of boats, trailers, and airboats.

• Be proficient in the operation of UTVs and ATVs and maintenance of UTVs and ATVs.

• Be proficient in the use of field and laboratory equipment and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.

• Assist other AHRE and Commission projects as necessary.

• Work independently with limited supervision.

• Responsible for timely and accurate processing and or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors.

• Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements of Section 215.422, F.S., related to State Comptroller’s rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.
   

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledgeable in principles of aquatic ecology and fish/wildlife habitat management

• Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic habitat management and restoration, including revegetation, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and organic sediment removal

• Knowledge of GIS and GPS and its application to habitat management and surveys

• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications

• Two years of experience in developing scopes of work

• Two years of experience in contract management

• Two years of experience in contractor oversight

• Experience using drones for vegetation or wildlife management

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task

• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, with limited supervision

• Ability to operate boats, airboats, 4WD vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and tow trailers

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions

• Ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water

• Ability to conduct in-water/under water work for extended periods of time

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours as necessary

Required Attachments to be uploaded with State of Florida application: 

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Examples of peer reviewed papers and published papers

Desired qualifications include:

• Strong knowledge of freshwater ecology, habitat assessment, and management techniques

• Familiarity with state and federal wetland permitting

• Experience with project management, contract management, and oversight of contracted vendors

Subordinates Supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Licenses requirement: Valid driver’s license

Level of Education:  Prefer a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program, OR a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience preferred, OR six years of directly related experience.

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: Orlando

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.