OPS F & W BS III - 77901862

Requisition No: 826007 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F & W BS III - 77901862

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901862 

Salary:  $22.15 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/05/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Title  OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Position number: 77901862

Location: 290 Airport Road, Carrabelle, FL 32322

Phone: 850-697-0014

Supervisor: Michelle Rice

Salary:  $22.15/hour

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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. 

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Region: Northwest (03)

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County: Franklin

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

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.

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.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

•         State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory

•         Workers’ Compensation - mandatory

•         Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory

•         Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.)

•         Deferred Compensation - voluntary

•         Employee Assistance Program – voluntary  

•         Learn more at https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

•         Any form of paid leave

•         Paid holidays

•         Participation in the Florida Retirement System

•         Reinstatement rights or retention rights

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.