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

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Posting Closing Date: 11/25/2024 

Salary:  $22.15/hour

County: Franklin

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

Location: 290 Airport Road, Carrabelle, FL 32322

Supervisor: Michelle Rice

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.

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. 

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.

Fisheries and Wildlife Bio Administrator I - FWC (Tallahassee)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2024 

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO ADMINISTRATOR I - SES – 77072819 TALLAHASSEE

DESCRIPTION:

FWC-Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Analysis and Rulemaking

Location:                     1875 Orange Ave E. Tallahassee, FL  32311 

Supervisor:                 Erika Burgess

Salary:  $60,000 - $65,000 annual/$2,307.69 - $2,500.00 bi-weekly plus benefits

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time.  Some travel is required and may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Minimum qualifications:  Bachelor of Science degree and a minimum of four years professional experience in life or physical science, or a Master of Science degree and a minimum of two years professional experience in life or physical sciences preferred. Years of professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities provided herein may substitute on a year for year basis for the required education.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Leads development of rules or rule revisions, management strategies, and other policy documents related to oyster management.

• Works closely with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Division of Habitat Species Conservation, the Division of Law Enforcement and other relevant FWC Divisions and Offices to identify and address issues related to oysters.

• Serves as liaison with state and federal agencies on issues affecting Florida’s oyster resource.

• Develops technical papers and presentations regarding Florida’s wild oyster resource and participates in rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions. 

• Conducts public workshops on issues relating to Florida’s oyster fishery.

• Advises internal and external partners on oyster restoration and cultching projects.

• Reviews, synthesizes, and interprets relevant fisheries information (e.g., habitat mapping and monitoring data, shell budget analysis, life history information, regulation history, stakeholder feedback, scientific literature) to inform management recommendations and Commission rulemaking.

• Coordinates research projects that are relevant to fisheries management decisions.

• Leads development of strategic outreach plans related to management of the wild oyster resource.

• Coordinates with commercial and recreational harvesters and other stakeholders to collect and disseminate information about the oyster resource

• Supervises two FTE staff.

• Responsible for ensuring all work products of direct reports are maintained to the highest possible scientific, technical, and professional standards.

• Responsible for hiring, supervising, evaluating, and leading direct reports.

• Responsible for ensuring direct reports undergo continual professional development.

• Provides support to Section Leaders, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments.

• Performs other duties as required.

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible.  Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources.  Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs.  When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of oyster biology, fishery, cultching, restoration, and habitat. Knowledge of general biological principles and knowledge of marine fisheries management issues and topics; Excellent verbal and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills including ability to write descriptively and concisely; Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning; Ability to synthesize highly technical information for public dissemination; Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze and organize marine resource (especially fisheries) information into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents and other written materials and for a variety of audiences; Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments; Ability to conduct fact finding research and utilize problem solving techniques; Ability to review and interpret fisheries regulations; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people; Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Supervisory experience preferred. Must be willing and able to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and SharePoint required. Knowledge of habitat conservation and management approaches is essential. Analytical skills for managing, analyzing, and summarizing large datasets. Skills in GIS preferred. Ability to lead and collaborate with colleagues from multiple disciplines. Ability to think independently and imaginatively. Ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including commercial harvesters, anglers, boaters, stakeholders, scientists, and managers. Ability to think strategically and apply strategy to achieve long-term and complex goals. Ability to design and accomplish projects within the framework of the larger strategic vision. Must be a self-starter. 

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

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Posting Closing Date: 10/11/2024 

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly plus benefits

Location: 1231 Prairie Lakes Road, Kenansville FL  34739 (407)436-1009

Region: Northeast

County: Osceola

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.

Supervisor: Biological Administrator I

List of any subordinates supervised:  Full-time employees: 2 Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IIs, 4 Fish/Wildlife Technicians, and full-time and seasonal OPS employees as necessary.

Residency requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the Three Lakes WMA entrance.

Level of Education: Preferred bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences

Description of duties:  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.   This position is located in the Wildlife Habitat Management section.  The Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Lead Area Biologist on the 65,333 acre Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Osceola County, Florida. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section and is responsible for habitat management and restoration activities including application of prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and exotic plant management throughout the area. The position will lead a team of 8 full-time employees as well as several seasonal positions to accomplish FWC objectives on the WMA. Upon completing a prescribed burn mentorship program, the successful candidate will lead an active prescribed burn team that burns approximately 20,000 acres per year to maintain and restore a variety of natural communities including mesic and wet flatwoods and dry and wet prairie to benefit game, non-game and imperiled wildlife and plant species. This position will coordinate with other sections within FWC and partner agencies to assist with recovery efforts of the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow. This position leads active monitoring programs for threatened and locally important species including Bachman’s sparrow, northern bobwhite, bats, and red-cockaded woodpecker. Job duties will also include planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public recreational opportunities including public hunt management, infrastructure establishment and maintenance, and other land management tasks as needed.  

This position is responsible for assisting with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, project specifications, area regulations, and reports. In addition, the applicant will interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Occasional travel is required to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills, be able to work well with team members and interact positively with stakeholders and cooperators. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledgeable in principles of wildlife ecology and habitat management

• Knowledge of the common and imperiled species of Florida

• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and experience with application of prescribed fire

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

• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members

• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarize biological data

• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing

• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications

• Knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS and its application to land management and surveys

• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions

• Ability to operate 4WD vehicles and ATVs

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

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including 10-12 hour days as necessary

OPS Research Associate - FWC (Gainesville)

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Posting Closing Date: 09/17/2024 

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Research Associate - OPS 77907426

Gainesville, Florida - $23.18 per hour

Anticipated Vacancy

Minimum Qualifications:
5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required or 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.

 
Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
One or more degrees in wildlife biology, zoology, or related natural resources field. Knowledge of bear ecology and the principles and techniques related specifically to research of American black bears, experience supervising and/or training seasonal technicians in appropriate field skills and research protocols, experience collecting hair samples used to estimate abundance and density, and experience using and maintaining GIS files.

 Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
Typical office hours are from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, with possible seasonal work on weekends and/or other times as research requires. Not eligible for Telework.

Driver’s license is required.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. 

Provide at least 3 professional references attached to a resume.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Bear Research Program is seeking a biologist who will assist in all aspects of black bear research activities throughout Florida, with primary focus on estimating abundance and density of bears in the 6 larger subpopulations. Duties involve conducting and coordinating data collection, training and supervising seasonal field technicians, managing and analyzing data, and writing reports and manuscripts for publication. Additionally, the candidate may be required to assist with outreach activities as needed.

Although the status is OPS, this is a long-term position that is not seasonal or grant funded.
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of natural sciences and the principles and techniques related wildlife research and analysis.

Knowledge of the methods of data collection and the ability to collect and analyze data then prepare written reports.

Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including private citizens, staff from the FWC, other state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to biological sciences.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a research team.

Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook and use of GPS equipment to record and save data.

Ability to work in extreme field conditions (very remote, high heat and humidity, etc.) and navigate to remote field sites using GPS or maps.

Ability to work a variable schedule, mainly seasonally, as required to complete research objectives.

Skills in safe and proper use of field equipment, including 4X4 and off-road vehicles, and the ability to tow utility trailers within 8 months of starting employment (training provided).

Ability to present research results to colleagues at technical conferences and to the public at festivals, schools, or other events.

OPS FISH/WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN - FWC (Eustis, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/18/2024 

Location: EUSTIS, FL, US, 32726

Salary:  $15.00-$16.00 

Pay Plan: Seasonal

Description:

Looking for an individual with a flexible schedule and boating experience to serve as a creel clerk on Lake Griffin. Incumbent will collect angler effort, catch, and harvest data via verbal angler interviews for freshwater sportfish species such as largemouth bass, crappie, and bream. Roving creel surveys occur during 2.75 hour periods and consist of boating the entire shoreline of a lake at fixed intervals. Incumbent will count and interview every angler encountered in a polite and professional manner and follow a predefined interview protocol.  Creel surveys times are at random throughout the month. Individual must be able to effectively communicate verbally with the public, work irregular weekday and weekend work periods, often in inclement weather, and operate watercraft up to 20ft. Position will be responsible for safely storing and delivering collected creel data to supervisor. Position is temporary and could end in early May 2025, with possible extension through November 2026.

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

Apply and view more details here! Deadline to apply is 10/1/2024.

Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, occasional weekend work and atypical hours expected. Occasional overnight travel required.

List of any subordinates supervised: 1 OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician

Residency requirement: Required to live within 25-miles of the entrance of Split Oak Forest WEA.

Level of Education: Preferred Bachelor of Science degree in a life or physical science. Four years of direct, relevant experience may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree.

Benefits: Participate in Group health insurance

Other Requirements: This position is designated as a home-is-office position. Incumbent will be required to complete prescribed burning training to obtain and maintain a FL certified prescribed burn manager certificate within 18 months of hire date. Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.

Description of duties:   

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate for an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead management on the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) in Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida. Split Oak Forest WEA, located just outside of metropolitan Orlando in an increasingly urbanized region, serves as an important link in the Florida wildlife corridor as an area where visitors can experience the natural landscape of central Florida and observe many of the native plant and wildlife species. This position serves as the Lead Area Biologist responsible for habitat management on over 1,650 acres of natural communities including scrubby, mesic, and wet flatwoods, basin marsh, and hammocks to benefit non-game and imperiled wildlife and plant species including the gopher tortoise, gopher frog, Bachman’s sparrow, and wild turkey. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and implementing habitat management and restoration activities including the application of prescribed fire on approximately 450 acres per year as well as conducting various mechanical and chemical treatments, and invasive species management. The incumbent will also assist with management on various other WMAs in the NE region.

Incumbent is responsible for all aspects of running the WEA including the assisting with periodic revision of the management plan; infrastructure management, development and maintenance as required by area management plans; wildlife monitoring and data entry; managing public access; reporting; purchasing; and budget management; and GIS. The incumbent will interact professionally with the public and partners, including other state and federal agencies as well as non-governmental organizations to provide information concerning wildlife, area management, and rules and regulations. Occasionally the incumbent will be required to travel to attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

Preference will be given to candidates that have hands on prescribed burn experience and candidates that are Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Managers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills, be able to work well with team members and interact positively with stakeholders and cooperators. 

Other knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledge of principles of ecology and wildlife management

• Knowledge of the common and imperiled species of Florida

• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and experience with the application of prescribed fire

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices including mechanical and chemical vegetation control

• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members

• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarizing biological data

• Knowledge of and experience in ArcGIS and GPS and its application to land management and surveys

• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to identify common and imperiled wildlife species

• Ability to operate outdoors under harsh weather conditions

• Ability to write technical reports

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

• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, trailers and heavy equipment

Apply online here!

OPS - Fish and Wildlife Technician - FWC (Punta Gorda, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 09/22/2024 

Starting pay rate: $18.23 / hr.

Region: SW

Title: OPS - Fish and Wildlife Technician

County: Charlotte

City:  Punta Gorda

Facility: Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area Field Office

Address and telephone number: Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area  29200 Tuckers Grade Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Phone:  (863) 648-3200

Supervisor : Seth Sofferin 

Working hours: 8am – 5pm; maximum allowable hours per year: 1,920

List of any subordinates supervised: N/A

Residency requirement: N/A

Level of Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Description of duties: THIS IS AN OPS POSITION.  IT IS NOT CAREER SERVICE.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Fish and Wildlife Technician to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section managing Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area and the Yucca Pens Unit in Charlotte County.  This team member will assist with chemical and mechanical control of desirable and non-desirable vegetation.  Operates ATVs, UTVs and 4x4 trucks with trailers.  Applicants will be expected to professionally represent the agency to members of the public. Additional duties include assisting biologists with wildlife management activities for game and non-game species to include surveys, check station management, and accurate technical biological data collection.  Prepares and submits accurate daily, weekly, and bi-weekly reports for herbicide application, timesheets, and accomplishments.  Interacts professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Should have prior experience treating and identifying Florida exotic/invasive plant species.

• Should have strong organizational and communication skills and GPS proficiency.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.

• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities.

• A valid driver’s license and ability to trailer and operate 4WD vehicles is required.

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management principles and practices.

• Knowledge of troubleshooting maintenance issues that come up in the field.

• Basic use of personal computers

• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions.

• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds.

• Ability to work productively alone with remote supervision or as member of a team, and the flexibility to occasionally work long hours and variable schedules, such as nights, weekends, or holidays.

• Applicants with a Florida Natural Areas Pesticide License may be given preference