OPS F & W Biological Scientist III - 77900033

Requisition No: 828217 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F & W Biological Scientist III - 77900033

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900033 

Salary:  $21.63 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/22/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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: 77900033

Position address and telephone: TBD S or SW Region

Broadband Code:  19-1023-03

Position Title:  OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Salary:  $21.63/hour

Supervisor:  Zachary Wardle

Region:  Southwest--Lakeland, Fort Myers or Port Charlotte TBD

Working hours:  Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm; work hours may vary due to nature of work

List of any subordinates supervised:  None

Residency requirement: South or Southwest Region

Level of Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological or physical sciences is preferred and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program.  Or a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.  Years of professional experience applicable to this position may substitute for the degree.

Description of Duties: 

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position is located in the Imperiled Species Management Section.  This exciting opportunity is a 3-year term position with the possibility of extension focused on the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Program, falling under the purview of the FWC’s Panther Management Program. The incumbent will be based in southwest Florida and routine field work within the panther focus and expansion areas is expected.

The primary functions for this position will be to assist the PES coordinator with outreach to commercial cattle operations and large landowners, habitat assessments, and monitoring related to individual PES agreements. Duties include maintaining trail cameras and associated image data on enrolled lands and fostering long-term partnerships with private landowners. The incumbent will promote and maintain FWC’s Living with Panthers initiative, and outreach activities may extend to other audiences (e.g., homeowners, conservation groups, students, sportsmen). The position will assist with panther team activities including response to depredations, vehicle mortalities, and captures as needed.

The candidate must be a strong self-starter with excellent communication and public speaking skills who is outgoing, independent, motivated, professional, and able to work with a diverse array of people. This position may work weekends and after business hours. The majority of travel will be within south and central Florida, but statewide travel may occasionally be expected. This position may have the potential for partial telework.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida panther or puma biology and their habitats and a broad knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;
• Knowledge of predator conflict minimization measures;
• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor. 
• Knowledge of private lands conservation and effective measures for working with private landowners;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of upland and wetland habitat management and restoration;
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Ability to work independently and on teams;
• Effectively communicate (orally and in writing) with peers and stakeholders;
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments;
• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;
• Knowledge of government processes and procedures;
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism;
• Ability to safely operate vehicles; and
• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity and exposed to biting insects and venomous snakes. Limited overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours. 
• Proficiency in MS Office, MS SharePoint, Google Earth, and ArcGIS are necessary.

OPS Employment Description: This position is classified as full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. The position is expected to work 40 hours per week and is paid for the number of hours worked rather than a salaried position. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System. OPS employees do have the potential to receive health insurance benefits and participate in the deferred compensation program.

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.

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

How to Apply: 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.

Position Requirements:

1. Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
2. Overnight travel is required to perform the duties of this position (1-25%)

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.