Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) - USDA (Green Cove Springs)

OPEN DATE: December 6, 2024

CLOSING DATE: December 16, 2024

POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

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

WORK SCHEDULE: Fulltime – 40 hours per week

ANNOUNCEMENT #: WSER-06-2024-FL

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-6/7

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0404-07

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

LOCATIONS: Green Cove Springs, Florida

SALARY: $44,117 – $63,733 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

This is a Biological Science Technician (GS-06/07) position focusing on feral swine and beach predator trapping around the north-east Florida coast. For a full position description and instructions on how to apply, click HERE.

OPS Research Associate - FWC (St. Pete)

To learn more and apply, click here.

Closing date: 12/14/2024

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Research Associate – OPS Position

$20-22 per hour

100 8th Ave SE

Saint Petersburg, FL

 Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration

Fish & Wildlife Health

Research Associate- OPS 77907581

Saint Petersburg, Florida - $20-22 per hour 

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:
6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or two years of experience as a Research Assistant – FWC; or,

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for one year of the required experience; or,

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for the required experience.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• Conduct carcass collection and transport between field and laboratory.

• Coordinate sample collection of herpetofaunal and avian diseases.

• Perform necropsies of herpetofaunal and avian species.

• Perform lab work geared towards disease surveillance of important reptile and avian pathogens.

• Lead laboratory inventory, upkeep, and organization.

• Maintain specimen inventory (fixed and frozen tissues).

• Maintain medical records and sample records.

• Provide for sample shipping following applicable shipping rules and regulations.

• Prepare final reports for projects and prepare information for popular audiences.

• Answer the Wildlife Health Hotline and online reporter forms for herpetofaunal and avian reports as needed and provide high quality customer service by responding to information requests and thoroughly documenting details of wildlife morbidity/mortality reports from the public, FWC staff, and other stakeholders.

• Assist with other terrestrial and aquatic wildlife disease investigations as needed

• Assist with purchases as needed.                       

• Participate in public outreach efforts as appropriate.

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

• Works independently, with colleagues, and cooperatively with partners from agencies, institutions, universities, and the public; may supervise technicians, volunteers, and interns on research projects.

• Perform other administrative duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform job duties are:

Knowledge of: wildlife ecology, animal health/disease concepts; methods of relevant field and laboratory data collection; and general procedures, techniques and equipment used in biological laboratory testing and analysis.

Skill in: use of personal computers, spreadsheet, and word processing software, particularly Microsoft Office products; ability to collect biological data and organize data efficiently in electronic databases; laboratory skills including organization of laboratory materials and diagnostic specimens; proper handling of chemicals; biosafety; adherence to protocols and shipping of specimens per state/federal regulations; and excellent time management.

Ability to: understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; perform detailed work accurately and independently; utilize problem solving techniques; lift up to 50 lbs.; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with others; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain a valid driver’s license; and work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.

FTE Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - FWC (Tallahassee)

Click here to learn more and apply!

Anticipated Vacancy

Posting Closing Date: 12/13/2024 

Working hours: Typically M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM, though hours may vary with workload and may require work on weekends or holidays

List of any subordinates supervised: 0 to 3 staff

Residency requirement: To Be Determined

Address: 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee Florida 32399

County: Leon

Level of Education:

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree preferred in biology, wildlife, or fisheries management; zoology; environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum and three years of professional experience; or a Graduate Degree and two years of professional experience.

Salary: $1,923.08 bi-weekly

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices.  This is an exciting opportunity to join the Imperiled Species Management Section’s (ISM) Manatee Management Program! This dynamic role offers the opportunity to support vital manatee conservation efforts through diverse and evolving data management responsibilities. Key duties include collecting, analyzing, and applying data to inform conservation decisions, as well as leading GIS-related tasks for the program. Additionally, you will work alongside manatee management staff on exciting projects related to habitat monitoring and evaluating Manatee Protection Plans. If you’re passionate about wildlife and data-driven conservation, this position offers a unique chance to make a real impact.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

1. Assists with the creation, maintenance and quality control of multiple shapefiles, layers and geodatabases, develops maps and data summaries using ArcGIS, GoogleEarth, and MS Excel for management purposes.

2. Collaborates with state and federal wildlife management staff on priority data collection needs for long-term manatee conservation;

3. Designs, manages and implements project-specific, management-related data collection activities associated with manatee speed zones, protection plans and habitat (conducts aerial survey, boat-based survey, land-based survey, etc.) often serving as project lead, contract manager, or liaison with partners;

4. Coordinates with various agency staff to analyze and apply data in support of manatee habitat and protection plan review and development;

5. Prepares, publishes and presents project results through internal (reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets;

6. Meets regularly with local, state, and federal partners and stakeholder groups to discuss manatee protection and boat facility siting plans, warm-water habitat, and other conservation efforts;

7. Performs field and site visits related to manatee protections and habitat as necessary;

8. Participates in response efforts, necropsies, and other field work assignments as needed; and

9. Maintains all assigned equipment in safe working condition. 

10. Performs other project-related duties and tasks as directed. 

Qualifications:

• Candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and practical knowledge of systematic data-collection techniques is desired. 

• Qualified applicants should have a background in aquatic resource or imperiled species management.

• This position requires administrative, communication, and computer skills, and the review, evaluation, interpretation, and presentation of biological data.

• Qualified applicants will need to be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adept at problem-solving and time management to succeed in this position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience working with and managing data through ESRI programs such as ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, and others.

• Knowledge of wildlife conservation, management techniques, and ecology;

• Knowledge of terminology, scientific method, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analyses or assessment;

• Knowledge of the methods of data collection, particularly for imperiled or listed species;

• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and technical report writing;

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

• Skilled at leading internal and external teams, managing staff, interns, or volunteers, and oversight of vendors or contractors

  • Proficiency in MS software applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required, and Google Earth Pro, SharePoint preferred;

• Ability to manage adverse environmental conditions while working independently in the field; and

• Ability to travel, sometimes overnight, throughout the state for meetings and field work.

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. 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.

Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a cover letter and resume in addition to the state application. Application packets without a cover letter, resume and state application will not be considered for the position.

Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) - USDA (Sarasota)

OPEN DATE:                        11/21/2024                   

CLOSING DATE:                 11/28/2024

POSITION TITLE:              Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

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

 WORK SCHEDULE:           Fulltime – 40 hours per week

 ANNOUNCEMENT #:         WSER-4208-2024-FL

 SERIES/GRADE:                 GS-0404-5/6

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL:                                   GS-0404-06

NUMBER OF  POSITIONS:                           1

 LOCATIONS:                 Sarasota County, FL 

 SALARY:                       $39,576 – $57,354 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

Click HERE for a complete description of the position and instructions on how to apply

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II - FWC (Wewahitchka, FL)

To apply and view more details, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 12/01/2024 

Biweekly Salary: $1,538.46 biweekly, $40,000 annually

County: Gulf

Working hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (CST), Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Supervisor: Nathan Kastenholz 

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: Must reside within a 25-mile radius of Apalachicola River WEA.

Minimum Level of Education – Preferred bachelor’s degree in a life or physical science. Four years of direct experience can substitute for a bachelor’s degree in a life or physical science.

License Requirements: Minimum Florida Class E Driver’s License

Description of duties: This Career Service position works with a team of biologists and technicians to manage natural communities and wildlife populations on the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area. The incumbent, under the direct supervision of the Lead Area Wildlife Biologist, assists with the planning, development, and implementation of natural community maintenance and restoration and wildlife management programs on the area. This includes preparing various plans and documents that guide multiple-use management; planning and assisting with the application of land management treatments including prescribed burning, timber thinning, mowing and chopping, groundcover restoration, chemical control of invasive plants, and maintenance of wildlife openings; surveying and monitoring game, locally important, and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols; conducting vegetation surveys including those of imperiled native flora and monitoring vegetation response to habitat manipulations; planning and implementing 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; assisting with management of public recreational use programs; managing public hunts and collection of biological data; assisting with wildlife disease surveillance; analyzing and reporting data to direct future management decisions; assisting and collaborating with staff on other conservation areas; and providing technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management. In addition, the incumbent will participate in team meetings, seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management and training opportunities and will provide presentations to conservation organizations, schools, and civic groups.  

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

   exotic 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.)

Coastal Biologist - Audubon FL (Tampa)

Coastal Biologist

Audubon Florida

Tampa, FL

Apply online at: https://audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Audubon/details/Coastal-Biologist_JR497

Position Summary

Reporting to Audubon’s Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries (FCIS) Senior Sanctuary Manager, the Coastal Biologist will be responsible for management of colonial wading bird colonies along the central Gulf Coast of Florida. The Coastal Biologist will be responsible for managing all aspects of FCIS’s breeding and nonbreeding season monitoring at over 80 locations, and for directly managing more than 28 island sites, in coordination with the Senior Sanctuary Manager. The Coastal Biologist will also develop new projects to reduce threats to birds on the sanctuary islands.  This position will recruit and manage volunteers for Project Colony Watch and other stewardship activities. The Coastal Biologist will collaborate with Audubon Florida, science, policy, and communications teams, as and collaborate with partners, including state and federal agencies, NGOs, and landowners, and communities.

This is a full-time, 40 hours a week hybrid position based out of the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries office in Tampa, Florida.

Compensation: $21.54 - $22.89 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Lead Audubon Florida’s Coastal Island Sanctuaries nesting birds monitoring and stewardship activities.

• Lead non-nesting surveys of shorebirds, seabirds, and other waterbirds and maintain game cameras to monitor islands

• Coordinate and manage volunteers for Audubon’s Project Colony Watch and to conduct cleanups of the rookery islands to remove discarded fishing gear and other entangling debris.

• Manage sanctuary islands including installing and maintaining sanctuary signs and managing predation and non-native vegetation.

• Design and implement projects, with guidance from the Senior Sanctuary Manager, to advance FCIS’s conservation priorities, including reducing fishing gear entanglement, restoring native vegetation, and managing erosion with nature-based solutions.   

• Manage field data, develop databases as necessary, perform analysis, report conclusions, and share data, including contributing to the Florida Shorebird Database and statewide waterbird database, and preparing annual data reports for the USFWS, FWC, and local and regional partners.

• Develop grant proposals, manage and report on grants, and participate in other fundraising activities and interactions with donors in collaboration with the Senior Sanctuary Manager and other staff.

• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with partners, including but not limited to Audubon chapters, state and federal agencies, other non-governmental organizations, and community and government leaders.

• Engage with local and state law enforcement agencies and boaters to avoid and respond to trespass restrictions inside Critical Wildlife Areas.

• Organize and lead boating tours for partners, donors, and the public.

• Safely operate field equipment including trailering, launching and operating boats, and oversee maintenance of vehicles, boats, and trailers.

• Maintain permits and access agreements with state and federal partners as well as private landowners.

• Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience in a similar field is required. An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.

• 3 years of demonstrated experience and expertise in shorebird, seabird, and wading bird identification and research or professional experience in performing waterbird surveys strongly preferred.

• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field and with others, including staff and volunteers, is required.

• 1 year of professional experience with recruiting, training, and managing volunteers in a conservation program preferred.

• Experience with boating, and trailering is strongly preferred.

• Comfort with public speaking about wildlife ecology topics and the importance of protecting bird colonies.

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

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

• Strong communications skills are required.

• Must be reliable, self-motivated, and able to work comfortably in a dynamic, non-structured environment.

• Willingness and flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as the job demands.

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

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Fish/Wildlife Technician - FWC (Wewahitchka, FL)

Click here to view more details and apply!

Posting Closing Date: 11/26/2024 

Supervisor: Nathan Kastenholz 

List of any subordinates supervised: None.

Biweekly Salary: $1,346.15 biweekly, $35,000 annually

County: Gulf and Franklin

Residency Requirements: Must reside within a 25-mile radius of Apalachicola River WEA

Working Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST), Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty. Occasional overnight travel is required.

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

License Requirements: Minimum Florida Class E 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 annually.

Description of duties: 

The FWC’s Northwest Region Wildlife and Habitat Management Section is seeking a highly motivated Fish and Wildlife Technician to assist three biologists and one Fish and Wildlife technician in planning, developing, and implementing activities to manage wildlife populations, improve wildlife habitat and provide public recreational opportunities on Apalachicola River Wildlife Environmental Area in Gulf and Franklin Counties.

The incumbent conducts wildlife habitat management activities which include the use of specialized mechanical equipment for prescribed fire, clearing and chopping dense vegetation, groundcover restoration, field preparation and planting of wildlife forage plants, and chemical or mechanical control of invasive plants. Operates and maintains heavy equipment used to complete management projects on the area. Equipment responsibilities include maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of equipment including a bulldozer, front-end loader, dump truck, farm tractors, mowers, trucks, trailers, ATVs, outboard motors, chainsaws, and construction equipment. Assists with area improvement such as construction and maintenance of informational signs, kiosks, check station, roads, parking areas, trails, fences, gates, water control structures, equipment storage facilities, and offices. Maintenance activities require experience and skills in electrical, carpentry, plumbing, welding, and painting. Assists with wildlife surveys for game, nongame, and imperiled species. Monitors vegetation response to habitat manipulations. Assists with management of public hunts, monitoring public use through traffic counters, and collecting biological data from hunter harvested animals including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens from deer. Assists other wildlife management areas as directed and provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management, including nuisance bear abatement. Participates in regional and divisional coordination meetings or training programs. Completes other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy equipment, tractors, farm implements, ATVs, and outboard motors.

• Knowledge and experience in electrical, carpentry, plumbing, welding, and painting.

• Knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire.

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

• Knowledge of GPS (Global Positioning Systems).

• Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys with an emphasis on nongame species.

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

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

• Ability to deal effectively with customers.

• Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers.