OPS- F & W BSII

Requisition No: 834098 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- F & W BSII

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77905060 

Salary:  $20.83 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/18/2024 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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

Position number: 77905060

Location: Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1937 Banana Grove Rd, Moore Haven, FL 33471

Phone: (863) 946-1194

Supervisor: Carrie Kimbrough 

Description of duties: The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife Habitat Management Section. The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Moore Haven, FL. This position serves as an OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida’s residents and visitors.

Primary responsibilities are assisting with the planning, development, and implementation of hydrologic, habitat, and wildlife management programs for the WMA. This includes conducting wildlife surveys (crested caracara, swallow-tailed kites, Florida scrub jays, and other wildlife inventories), hunter check station operation (including the collection of biological samples from harvested game), application of prescribed fire, conducting chemical and mechanical invasive plant management and oversight, archaeological resource monitoring, water level monitoring, maintaining area grounds, organizing and entering wildlife survey data, preparing and submitting administrative and biological reports, maintaining equipment in a safe and useable condition, assisting the lead area biologist with various projects as assigned, and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. The position will regularly work independently in the field. This position will also work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

About the WMA: Fisheating Creek WMA encompasses over 18,000 acres of beautiful, untamed habitat including cypress swamps, scrub, dry prairie, floodplains, oak hammocks, and pasture. Fisheating Creek is the only undammed tributary into Lake Okeechobee, making it a natural wonder. It is home to black bears, gopher tortoises, alligators, Florida scrub jays, bobcats, Florida panthers, migratory birds, and many other fascinating wildlife species. It attracts members of the public for a variety of recreational opportunities, including hunting, airboating, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Ability to navigate using GPS units and aerial maps. Knowledge of threats and issues facing Florida wildlife and habitats and the ability to create creative solutions. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and invasive plant control. Wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to track spending and monitor budgets. Ability to create scientific reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Ability to interact with stakeholders, co-workers, and cooperating agencies in a professional manner. Knowledge of hunting as a wildlife management tool. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Well-organized and able to communicate effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively unsupervised alone as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to operate outside under inclement weather conditions and specialized off-road vehicles.

Broadband code: 19-1023-02

Class code: 5028

Region: South

Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II

County: Glades

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required. Occasional overnight travel is required.

List of any subordinates supervised: May supervise seasonal staff as needed.

Residency requirement: None.

Level of Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences preferred, or at least four years of direct experience with the duties of this position.

Other 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 with a clean driving record.

Rate of Pay: $20.83/hour (40 hours per week, 1920 hours per year)

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.