OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - FWC (Lake Placid, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/15/2025 

Starting pay rate: $18.23/hr.

Working hours: Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm (maximum allowable hours per year: 1,920)

Supervisor:  Vacant 

List of any subordinates supervised: N/A

Residency requirement: Required to reside within 25 miles of the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area Field Office.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience treating invasive non-native plants. Familiarity with both native and non-native invasive vegetation in Central Florida. Experience with prescribed burning.

Level of Education: High school diploma 

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

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity is available for a Fish and Wildlife Technician to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area in Highlands County. FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities, which will include assisting with chemical and mechanical control of desirable and non-desirable vegetation. This position will also assist biologists with wildlife management activities for game and non-game species to include surveys, check station management, accurate technical biological data collection, and prescribed fire. The position will also be expected to prepare and submit accurate daily, weekly, and bi-weekly reports for herbicide application, timesheets, and accomplishments. Finally, this position interacts professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Identification of non-native invasive plant species common to southwest Florida, or the ability to learn

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Experience using ArcGIS and GPS units

• Able to work cooperatively with other members of a team

• Able to professionally represent the agency to members of the public

• Able to lift 50 pounds and work in a variety of rugged field conditions

• Hold a valid driver’s license and and operate 4WD vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs and 4x4 trucks with trailers

• Self-sufficient and capable of troubleshooting maintenance issues that come up in the field

• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions

• Ability to work productively alone with remote supervision or as member of a team.

OPS+ Biological Scientist II - FWC (Lakeland, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2025 

Starting pay rate: $20.83 / hr.

Supervisor: Brianna White 

Working hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm with guaranteed assignments outside normal daily working hours

Address and telephone number: Southwest Regional Office, 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811, (863) 660-8028

Residency requirement: Negotiable; required to work out of a field office (field offices located in Frostproof, Haines City, or Clermont) or the Southwest Regional Office (Lakeland).

Minimum Qualifications:

Five years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the five years of required experience.

Preferred Requirements: A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the life/physical sciences is preferred.

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

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity is available for a Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist II to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section by conducting wildlife inventories and monitoring surveys on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Southwest Region. Surveys will be conducted per established protocols and will include, but are not limited to, herpetofauna drift fence arrays, small mammal surveys, mesomammal surveys, and avian point counts. Incumbent shall coordinate with local staff to ensure completion of survey activities as prescribed in Wildlife Conservation, Prioritization, and Recovery (WCPR) Strategies and Land Management Plans. Incumbent will also assist with entering data in the Survey and Monitoring Protocol (SaMP) database and reporting survey results and will be responsible for managing data sets and producing technical reports.

This is a temporary position that is anticipated to last a minimum of four years.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Wildlife biology

• Identification of birds by sight and sound

• Ability to use field guides and keys to identify amphibians, reptiles and mammals.  Assessment and inventory of wildlife and habitat

• Collection and analysis of biological data

• Ability to write scientific reports

• Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and ability to communicate conservation principles to the public

• Ability to organize/plan work assignments and set priorities

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Familiarity with GPS, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office

• Ability to work safely outdoors and tolerate extreme temperatures, high humidity, biting insects and other hazards.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting wildlife surveys multiple taxa using a wide range of techniques in Florida. Ability to operate 4 wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and other equipment.

Land Management Assistant Senior – SFWMD CREW (Estero, FL)

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This position will report to the CREW Management Area Field Office located in Estero, Lee County.

This practitioner level land management position is responsible for performing land management functions administered by the Land Stewardship Section and performs a variety of duties to assure District-owned lands are properly managed for ecological and recreational purposes.  This position is responsible for performing land management activities including the planning and monitoring of invasive plant control contracts, participating in prescribed burns to improve plant diversity and habitat conditions, and preparing Statements of Work for various contracted activities including habitat restoration projects, maintenance activities, debris removal, and mechanical vegetation control.  Additional responsibilities include supervising contractors, posting regulatory and rule signage for site security and public use purposes, conducting gate and fence repairs, conducting invasive plant and mechanical vegetation control activities, performing semi-annual site inspections for resource protection purposes, and addressing unauthorized activities such as illegal dumping or encroachment issues.  Incumbent shall have the ability to operate field equipment including swamp buggies, airboats, farm tractors and implements, and all-terrain vehicles to complete assigned field activities.

Biological Science Technician - USDA (Niceville, FL)

OPEN DATE:                  May 28, 2025

CLOSING DATE:            June 05, 2025                  

POSITION TITLE:           Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) – 1 Position

TYPE OF POSITION:     13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service, (may be extended up to 4 years)

WORK SCHEDULE:     Full Time

ANNOUNCEMENT #:   WS-FL-EAFB-2025

SERIES/GRADE:            GS-0404-04/05/06 depending on qualifications

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL:   GS-0404-06

LOCATION:                       Niceville, FL (Eglin AFB)    (Relocation expenses will not be paid)

SALARY:                             $36,825 to $58,445  per year

Click HERE for the full position description and instructions on how to apply

Wildlife Assistance Biologist (OPS) - FWC (Lakeland, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/08/2025 

Salary:  $23.44/hour, 40 Hours per week, not to exceed 1920  hours per Fiscal Year.

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

Address: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3900 Drane Field Rd Lakeland FL, 33811

Supervisor: Rhonda Latour, Senior Wildlife Assistance Biologist

Minimum Qualifications:

Six years of relevant experience. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.”

Preference: 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 of wildlife-related professional experience, including 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 is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Assistance Biologist. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for human-wildlife conflict issues and provides information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife. Assistance provided to the public or agency staff may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Some fieldwork may occur but is not a regular component of this position. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Assistance Program at outreach events by conducting presentations to citizen groups. The candidate may also conduct site visits and provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment, as necessary. The Wildlife Assistance Biologist works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to: 

·        Coordinate management of human-wildlife conflict 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 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 Director 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.

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.

·        Ability to safely operate a vehicle.

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

Licensure, Certifications or registration requirements: Valid Florida driver’s license

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II - FWC (Holt, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/09/2025 

Anticipated salary: $40,000 annually plus benefits

Location:  Blackwater Fisheries Center -  8384 Fish Hatchery Rd. Holt, FL 32564   

Minimum Qualifications:

·         5 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. 

·         A bachelor's degree with a major in biological or physical science can substitute for 4 years of professional experience.

·         Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

·         A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological or physical science - preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture science field and two years of professional experience in an aquaculture setting; or

·         A master's degree from an accredited college or university in biological or physical science, preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture science field.

·         Previous aquaculture experience in culturing and rearing fish intensively (indoor tanks) and extensively (outdoor ponds).

Requirements:
 

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

·         Typical hours are from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.  This position requires periodic work time on weekends, evenings, and in excess of 8 hours/day. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

·         Ability to work outdoors in the heat or cold and in water for extended periods to accomplish job duties.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

FWC seeks a dynamic individual to work as a team member in a freshwater fish hatchery production setting at Blackwater Fisheries Center.    Candidates should possess strong skills and documentable experience in two or more of the following fields:  agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries science/management, aquatic ecology, natural resources management, research, hydrology, entomology, ichthyology, limnology, engineering, basic statistics, and population dynamics. 

Daily activities will include assisting with all aspects of the intensive and extensive production of freshwater fish to meet variable annual goals, including pond preparation, management,  monitoring, harvesting and stocking.  Cleaning and maintaining intensive tanks and raceways.  Coordination with hatchery and regional staff will be required.  Job duties include routine equipment, building, and facilities maintenance. 
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of aquaculture and pond management

·         Knowledge of basic water quality testing techniques and parameters for fish culture

·         Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to aquaculture production

·         Knowledge of project planning

·         Skill in writing (both technical and popular articles)

·         Possess good customer service, telephone, and data management skills

·         Ability to professionally explain Project, Division, and Agency programs, policies, and procedures to the public and other stakeholders

·         Ability to lift and move 60 lbs.

Why should I apply?  

If you are looking to work closely with a dedicated team to carry out fish culture practices and are a self-motivated person who thinks innovatively and is passionate about fish culture and production for the benefit of conservation, this position is for you.  Blackwater Fisheries Center is located in Santa Rosa County, FL. in a rural area within the beautiful Blackwater State Forest with numerous nearby recreational opportunities and close proximity to Crestview, Milton, and Pensacola, FL.

Fish & Wildlife Technician - FWC (Christmas, FL)

OPS- Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902472

Requisition No: 843471 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902472

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902472 

Salary:  $18.23 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2025 

Working Title:  OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician

Section : Wildlife and Habitat Management

Position number:  77902472

Salary:  $18.23/hour

Address:  3365 Taylor Creek Rd. Christmas, FL 32709

Phone: (407) 568-5893

Supervisor:  Errc Heribacka

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

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the William Beardall Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Orange County, FL. This position serves as an OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team of land managers to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The successful candidate’s primary duties will be to control exotic vegetation using herbicides and mechanical methods but also will be a key team member responsible for all aspects of management of the WMA including the application of prescribed fire.  Habitat improvement is focused on imperiled and locally important species including, but not limited to, northern bobwhite, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gopher tortoise, Bachman’s sparrow, brown-headed nuthatch, and black rail.

Additionally, the position may assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, trails, culverts, fences, gates, signs, and buildings. The position will operate, maintain, and repair various equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, heavy equipment, and implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.).  The incumbent will interact with various partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules and regulations. Occasionally the incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed. There may also be opportunities to assist with land management or wildlife monitoring on other WMAs throughout FWC’s Northeast Region.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Preference will be given to applicants that possess the following:

• Ability to operate, maintain, and repair heavy equipment and associated implements

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments

• Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities, including hunting

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

• Familiarity with common invasive plants found in Central Florida

• 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

Broadband code: 19-4021-01

Class code: 5031

Region: Northeast

Title: OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician

County: Orange

Working hours:8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, maximum allowable hours per year: 1,920

List of any subordinates supervised:    None

Residency requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the William Beardall Tosohatchee WMA entrance.

Level of Education: High School or GED

Benefits: Potential to participate in Group health insurance

Other Requirements:   Incumbent must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk or stand for extended time periods at night or in inclement weather.  Must have valid State of Florida driver’s license. Occasional, night, weekend, and overnight travel is required.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 criminal history/background check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.

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. 

Location:  

CHRISTMAS, FL, US, 32709

Nearest Major Market: Orlando

Click here to apply.