Fish and Wildlife Technician - FWC (Tallahassee)

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Posting Closing Date: 12/01/2024 

Biweekly Salary:  $1,346.15 bi-weekly + benefits

Supervisor: Morgan Wilbur 

List of any subordinates supervised: None.

County: Jefferson

Residency requirement: Must reside within a 25-mile radius of Aucilla WMA.

Working hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, may require some early morning, night, or weekend duty. Occasional overnight travel required.

Level of Education: High School Diploma, GED, or greater.

Description of Duties:

        This position serves as a full-time, field-oriented Fish & Wildlife Technician on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. This Career Service position, under the supervision of the Area Biologist, works within a team of two biologists and one other technician to manage wildlife populations and their habitats on Aucilla Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA). Incumbent operates and maintains heavy equipment used to complete management projects on the areas. Conducts habitat management activities which include prescribed burning, chemical and mechanical treatments, and groundcover restoration. Responsible for equipment/infrastructure maintenance, diagnosis of problems, and repairs of equipment including bulldozer, front-end loader, dump truck, farm tractors, trucks, trailers, ATVs, outboard motors, chainsaws, and construction equipment. Assists with the development and maintenance of area improvements such as informational signs, kiosks, roads, parking areas, trails, fences, and equipment storage facilities. Maintenance activities require skills in electrical, carpentry, welding, and painting. Assists with management of public hunts, monitoring public use, and collecting biological data from hunter harvested animals – including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens. Assists other wildlife management areas as directed and provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management – including bear abatement. Participates in regional and divisional coordination meetings and training programs. Completes other duties as assigned.  

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to operate and maintain farm tractors and implements, pumper trucks, transports, ATVs, UTVs, welders, hand-held GPS devices, hand and power tools, and outboard motors.

• Ability to work independently in the field with biting insects and in a variety of weather conditions.

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Incumbent is expected to have a strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, agency staff, and a diverse group of public users.

• Incumbent shall have good organizational skills and be able to work in a fast-paced or changing environment.

Additional Information:

License Requirements: A valid driver’s license. Must possess or obtain a Class A Florida Commercial Driver’s License within the first 270 days of employment and must maintain license throughout duration of employment. 

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools. Occasional overnight travel is required. Employees home will be considered their office.

Government Operation Consultant III - FWC (Tallahassee)

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Posting Closing Date: 12/01/2024 

Salary:  $1,923.08 bi-weekly + benefits 

Working hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm  

Supervisor: Larame Ferry

List of any subordinates supervised: 1-Government Operations Consultant I and 1-Data Administration Analyst (Acquisition Review Agent)

Region: Northwest/ Headquarters 

County: Leon 

Level of Education:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred and four years of professional experience in land management, land use analysis, land appraisal, land acquisition, real property law, real estate, environmental law, land surveying or abstract and title work.

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in real estate, planning, civil engineering, geography, geology or natural resources management can substitute for one year of the required experience.

• Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong leadership skills: position supervises two others in the program.

• Ability to manage multifaceted projects under various time constraints in compliance with Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code.

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Knowledge and ability to use a variety of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and databases.

• Ability to create presentations and present to the public or in meetings.

• Ability to participate in out-of-town travel several days at a time (e.g., biannual Florida Forever site visits, other various travel).

• Ability to communicate effectively, establish and maintain working relationships with others.

• Knowledge of the principles of land management and real estate.

• Ability to review, examine, and evaluate data relating to state land acquisitions to ensure compliance with applicable statutory requirements.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to state land acquisitions.

• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.

• Ability to write well (e.g., letters, project or grant proposals or other funding opportunities).

• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.

• Florida Driver’s License required. 

Position Description and Duties 

Description: 

The Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) program is offering an exciting opportunity in land conservation, working closely with land managers across the state towards conserving priority lands, expanding the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and adding to more than six million acres within our Wildlife Management Area system. The position advertised is for a Senior Acquisition Review Agent in the Wildlife and Habitat Management section of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation of FWC.  

Duties:

Coordinates intra-agency, inter-agency, and stakeholder interaction and communication on projects, proposals (acquisitions and grants), plans, and issues related to land acquisition, expanding collaboration and partnerships for project success.

Participates in the management of the Commission’s Florida Forever land acquisition program and land management planning programs. Helps in the maintenance, coordination, and development of land conservation and acquisition programs and associated projects on a statewide basis. Provides information and presentations to the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC), an advisory council to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Governor and Cabinet), on state land acquisition and management issues.

Contributes to a collaborative and consensus building decision making process on land conservation projects, conservation proposals, and similar initiatives.

Participates as a member of a team of land acquisition and land management planning professionals in all elements of conservation acquisition and planning programs through project design, implementation, and completion.

Assist in the development and analysis of legislation, rules, policies, agenda items, budgets, reports and correspondence for the Governor and Cabinet, Commissioners, and Executive Director, involving wildlife habitat conservation programs and issues.

Assist with the representation of the agency before the Commission, ARC, Florida Legislature, Governor and Cabinet, other governing bodies, and in a wide variety of public meetings to aid in the fulfillment of the Commission’s mission to conserve Florida’s fish and wildlife through its land conservation and conservation management planning programs.

Participates in public hearings, meetings, and forums. Develops and provides presentations at professional conferences, forums, seminars, public hearings, and meetings.

Coordinates development of Commission, Board of Trustees, and ARC agenda items for land conservation acquisition projects, reports, acquisition lists, land donations, land exchanges, surplus, and other conservation acquisition and planning oriented projects.

Also assists in the coordination and development and updating of GIS files to include mapping of acquisition projects, acquisition reports, maps, managed area boundaries, additions and inholdings boundaries, natural resources, cultural resources and infrastructure for Commission acquisition projects and managed lands within the Wildlife Management Area system on a statewide basis, as well as other similar duties.

Supervises and manages the direct reports (GOCI and Acquisition Agent).

Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator - FWC (Gainesville)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/18/2024 

Anticipated Vacancy

Salary: $2,552.50 biweekly

Region: North Central

County: Alachua

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F.  Overnight travel may be required.

List of any subordinates supervised: Minimum four (4) FTE Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Address: 6224 NW 43rd Street, Suite B, Gainesville, FL 32653

Supervisor: Sarah Funck, Wildlife Impact Management Section Leader

Minimum Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred, with major course of study in one of the biological sciences is preferred and at least three years of professional biological experience; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university preferred with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences preferred.

A valid driver’s license required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System. Should you have a problem submitting these through the People First System, email directly to Sarah.Funck@MyFWC.com

Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Description of Position:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as the section’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator. The mission of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program is to minimize adverse impacts of nonnative fish and wildlife on Florida’s environment, economy, and human health and safety. The incumbent will be primarily responsible for supervising staff, managing daily operations, successfully implementing priority projects and programs, managing budget, planning fiscal year activities with staff, and actively providing leadership for nonnative fish and wildlife issues in Florida through collaboration with partners and stakeholders. The incumbent courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation generally and seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

The incumbent serves as the Program Coordinator of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program. This program provides statewide leadership, including monitoring of new species introductions, assessing nonnative species impacts, implementing nonnative fish and wildlife management and research, developing, and implementing policies and regulation, and coordination with the Wildlife Impact Management Section Leader, partners, and stakeholders on nonnative fish and wildlife issues.

This position is responsible for leading the development of FWC policy on nonnative fish and wildlife species and permitting issues, and assisting with coordination of administrative rule development for nonnative species, including review of species biological profiles, application of risk analysis, and drafting rule language.

The incumbent is also expected to work closely and effectively with internal and external stakeholders, such as FWC Division of Law Enforcement’s Captive Wildlife, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, pet industry representatives, and other state and federal agencies and may represent the FWC at meetings and appropriate conferences. The incumbent may serve on or lead agency teams and serve on interagency work groups or technical assistance groups.

The incumbent is responsible for providing oversight to the nonnative fish and wildlife permitting staff to issue permits according to agency policy and statutory requirements, and to implement appropriate training to make this team successful.

The Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator is expected to effectively manage an annual budget, contracts and grants, and develop annual work plans based on team-identified long- and short-term program priorities.  

Supervisory responsibilities include direct supervision at minimum of four FTE positions with additional oversight of OPS staff within the program.  

The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor. 

These duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Making budget requests, or assisting with Agency, Division or Section priorities;

• Timely and accurate processing and/or approval of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors;

• 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;

• Performing other duties as required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills;

• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;

• Demonstrated working knowledge and experience in regulatory and rule development processes; 

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment, and to adhere to regulatory time constraints;

• Knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;

• Familiarity with nonnative species issues;

• Technical writing ability;

• Supervisory experience;

• Demonstrated excellence in public speaking; and

• Experience working with the public and/or stakeholders. 

Desired qualifications include:

• Demonstrated leadership abilities;  

• Experience and education in nonnative species biology;

• Ability and desire to be open-minded while working within a team of biologists to develop long-term solutions to nonnative fish and wildlife management challenges;

• Ability to multi-task as well as work independently when needed;

• Experience using databases (MS Access and MS Excel);

• Knowledge of Florida plant/animal communities;

• Ability to travel less than 25%, for several days at a time throughout Florida.

OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Tallahassee)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/17/2024 

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

Salary: $23.44/hour + benefits (not to exceed 1,920 hours per fiscal year)

Supervisor: Natalie Montero-McAllister, Imperiled Species Policy Administrator

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 8-5, with occasional non-standard hours

Residency requirement: Florida

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

To apply: In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, a resume or cover letter must be attached describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience.

Description of Duties:

The Imperiled Species Policy Biologist serves as a key member of a team overseeing conservation of state-listed species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need. The individual in this position has the opportunity to significantly impact conservation outcomes for imperiled wildlife.

This position works with team members on development and implementation of conservation policies, rulemaking, projects for imperiled species, and other media that support development and implementation of conservation policies. Successful implementation of conservation plans and policies depends on strong stakeholder relationships, ongoing public support, and continued coordination among the diverse set of partners with which FWC works. The incumbent assists with implementation of the listing process and serves as a point of contact for agency staff from other sections and divisions, other government organizations, stakeholders, and the public. This includes assisting with conducting workshops and webinars and facilitating internal and external meetings to develop and implement conservation policies.

The Imperiled Species Policy Biologist demonstrates self-confidence, an outgoing personality, and passion about public participation in government decision-making processes. They apply knowledge of wildlife biology and ecology to improve conservation outcomes. The individual in this position requires passion for conservation and can work creatively to address conservation challenges.

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, 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. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida’s fish and wildlife, ecology, and natural communities.

• Knowledge of state and national conservation programs, including Florida’s imperiled species management system and listing process.

• Knowledge, skill and ability to design, coordinate, implement and evaluate a variety of effective stakeholder engagement strategies and techniques.

• Strong ability to communicate articulately and with influence both in writing and orally to large and small groups.

• Ability to work independently to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments within deadlines.

• Skilled in excellent organizational management (time management, project management), problem solving, meeting planning and group facilitation.

• Skilled in the use of multi-media to convey information, solicit information and provide a forum for sharing ideas.

• Knowledge of principles of adaptive leadership and collaborative governance.

• Ability to work well with a variety of personalities, with persons of varied levels of wildlife conservation understanding, and understand multiple stakeholder views.

• Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, data management and digital content accessibility.

• Ability to occasionally travel overnight to complete job tasks.

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - FWC (Tallahassee)

To view more information and apply, click here.

Posting Closing Date: 11/20/2024 

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

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm

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

Salary: $1,923.08 bi-weekly plus benefits

Supervisor: Michelina Dziadzio

List of Subordinates Supervised:  may include supervision of 1 OPS Biological Scientist II

Residency Requirement: Florida

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 and 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 position serves as the Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of FWC. This is a professional position that requires detailed understanding of gopher tortoise natural history and conservation practices, strong organizational and time management skills, public speaking and meeting management experience, research and analytical skills, the ability to manage various projects and contracts, and administrative/supervisory experience.

The Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator will lead programmatic implementation and coordination of Florida’s Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and associated conservation actions. They will work to develop collaborative partnerships and engage with stakeholders to promote the implementation of conservation practices that benefit gopher tortoises and their habitats. This position communicates the conservation goals, objectives, actions, policies, and permitting procedures included in the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan to interest groups, permit applicants, permittees, stakeholders, and the public. The incumbent will also lead or participate on the Gopher Tortoise Policy Team, lead the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan Implementation Team, and plans bi-annual meetings of the Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group (GTTAG). The incumbent will also have a lead role in the revision of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, as applicable.

The incumbent will serve as a Subject Matter Expert regarding tortoise biology, research needs, conservation priorities, and habitat management practices. They will provide input on requests for habitat management plan amendments, research permits related to gopher tortoises, media requests, and other agency communications. This position coordinates an annual call for gopher tortoise research and outreach proposals and manages contracts with awarded parties. When appropriate, this position also assists in developing, amending, and/or managing Memorandums of Agreement and other contracts.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with facilitation of internal and public meetings, providing skills and expertise wherever needed through work on interdisciplinary teams (both internal and external), developing gopher tortoise eLearning modules, participating in easement and/or recipient site monitoring, and coordinating and participating in a variety of education and outreach events. This position may also perform related work as directed by their supervisor. These duties include, but are not limited to, timely completion of routine paperwork, preparation of reports, or assisting with Agency, Division or Section priorities. Some overnight travel will be required (1-25%). This position may supervise one position that will manage datasets and assist with tracking implementation of conservation actions. 

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. In addition, the candidate will have:

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, permitting requirements, and management practices and techniques.

• Knowledge of Florida upland ecosystems and suitable gopher tortoise habitat.

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.

• Skills in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and scientific writing.

• Skills in visioning, long-range planning, and developing innovative solutions.

• Skill in developing contracts and contract management.

• Ability to communicate effectively and interpret scientific information to stakeholders.

• Ability to manage high-stress situations, analyze complex issues, and supervise staff.

• Ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts.

• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and stakeholder meetings.

• Ability to form partnerships, travel, and train staff.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Skill in using Microsoft Office and ESRI/ArcGIS applications, preferred.

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

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Region: Southwest

County: Polk

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, some nights and weekend work may be required. Overnight travel may be required.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Supervisor: Rhonda Latour

Minimum Qualifications:

Prefer a bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with at least two (2) years wildlife-related professional experience and experience with wildlife-related education and outreach.

In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Cover letters and resumes shall be uploaded to the People First System.

Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Description of Position:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section (WIM) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Assistance Biologist. The incumbent serves to support regional Wildlife Assistance Biologists by providing information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife to the public, other agencies, and other Commission staff. Assistance may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Work outside of normal business hours is generally not required. Some field work may occur but is not a regular component of this position. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Assistance Program at outreach events, presentations to citizen groups, and site visits to provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment as necessary. The Wildlife Assistance Biologists works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to:  

• Coordinate management of conflict wildlife situations including those involving bears, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife species.

• Network to establish clear communication across the agency about emerging wildlife issues.

• Assist with the implementation of response protocols for to human-wildlife conflict situations in coordination with other FWC programs including the Division of Law Enforcement.

Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Provide technical assistance to the public and other agencies on means to address human-wildlife conflicts and to promote strategies to coexist with wildlife.

• Maintain familiarity with prevalent conflict wildlife issues and continually identify and share best technical assistance practices and protocols as required.

• Provide coverage for other regional Wildlife Assistance Biologists as needed.

• Maintain an accurate and thorough daily log of public correspondence via the Wildlife Impact Management System database.

• Participate in public outreach efforts as directed to increase appreciation for wildlife and address conflict wildlife abatement or other wildlife-related issues.

• Assist the regional FWC Public Information Directors with media and stakeholder information requests.

• Respond to requests via the AskFWC program, to answer questions about wildlife or wildlife conflict resolution.

• Occasionally support the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s management efforts through response activities.

• Remain up to date on Commission rules and regulations regarding protected wildlife, the take of wildlife, conflict wildlife abatement, and related issues.

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 message.

Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC’s invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.

• Exemplary customer service skills and an ability to interface effectively with the public over the phone on a daily basis regarding sensitive topics.

• Ability to develop and effectively present educational outreach material to adult audiences

• Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, data management, and mapping.

• Knowledge of and experience with wildlife damage control techniques.

• Ability to identify native and non-native wildlife.

• Knowledge of wildlife issues in Florida.

• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines with minimal, remote supervision.

• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, stakeholder representatives and coworkers.

• Skill in providing good customer service.

• Ability to safely operate a vehicle.

• Ability to travel overnight less than 25% of the time.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Florida driver’s license 

Fisheries & Wildlife Technician - FWC (Felda, FL)

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ANTICIPATED VACANCY

Posting Closing Date: 11/17/2024 

Position address and telephone number: 100 CR 832 Felda, FL 33930

Phone: (863) 612-0775

Supervisor and Position number: Vacant 

Starting pay rate: $1,346.15 bi-weekly ($35,000 annually) + benefits.

        Description of duties:  The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.

        The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the Okaloacoochee (OK) Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hendry County, FL. This position serves as a full-time, field-oriented Fish & Wildlife Technician on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors.

        This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of various equipment including trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, tractors and their implements, front end loaders, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. The incumbent must be able to troubleshoot equipment failure issues and follow manufacturer's recommendations for periodic preventative maintenance and fabricate and repair equipment including minor motor repairs and small engine repairs utilizing welders, cutting torches, and other various hand/air tools.

        Additionally, this position is responsible for infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair, including barbed wire fences, buildings, gates, roads, and signs, and performing custodial functions. The incumbent will assist biologists with various land management activities including prescribed burning, installing firebreaks, and mowing, chemical and mechanical control of invasive and exotic plants. The incumbent will prepare and submit accurate documents such as timesheets and equipment use reports. The incumbent will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game. The incumbent will interact with partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings and various trainings and assist on other management areas as needed.  

        Applicants with a valid Class A CDL and S-130/S-190 wildland fire certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Able to operate, maintain, and repair heavy equipment and associated implements.

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

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.

• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities.

• Skilled in construction activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding.

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices, such as prescribed burning and herbicide use for vegetation control.

• Ability to identify areas of need and improvement in the work environment and come up with creative and effective solutions.

• Ability to navigate using GPS units in the field.

• Basic use of personal computers (including Microsoft Office).

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (e.g., heat, rain, biting insects, rough terrain).

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

• Strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, staff, and diverse public users.