FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77073260

Requisition No: 840479 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77073260

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77073260 

Salary:  $1,923.08 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 11/14/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Anticipated vacancy

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.

Title: FTE Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Working Title: Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Outreach and Education Coordinator

Salary: $1,923.08 biweekly salary

Position number: 77073260

Broadband/Class Code:  19-1023-04

Level of Education: A Bachelor’s degree in life or physical sciences is preferred.

Region: North Central

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

List of any subordinates supervised: Three OPS Fish and Wildlife Biologist III

Residency requirement: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division:  Habitat and Species Conservation

Section:  Wildlife Impact Management

Sub-section:  Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program

Address: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Wildlife Impact Management Section, 6224 NW 43rd Street, Suite B, Gainesville, FL 32653

Supervisor: Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator

Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences is preferred and three years of professional biological experience; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience.

A valid driver’s license required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and 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 (WIM) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to help address nonnative fish and wildlife in Florida through education and outreach.  Primary responsibility will be to manage and advance the outreach and education component of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program at the direction of the Supervisor/Section Leader. 

This position is an FTE Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV responsible for developing and implementing all outreach and education projects within the WIM Section’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program while developing ways to engage the public and reach new audiences through creative and innovative programs and materials. The incumbent is responsible for organizing, scheduling and acting as project lead on special events including, but not limited to annual Florida Python Challenge™, outreach events and stakeholder educational workshops and trainings, such as Python Patrol. This position also prepares, purchases and updates public education information including nonnative species awareness and reporting brochures, flyers, and other educational materials and displays to assist with public education about invasive wildlife in Florida. This position is responsible for maintaining the nonnative species websites and addressing correspondence with the public including outreach at festivals and special events, through email and phone correspondence, “Ask FWC,” trackers, and assisting the supervisor and Communications team with media inquiries, talking points, and social media posts. This position will also assist with stakeholder conflict resolution. Strong interpersonal skills, computer skills and creativity are desired for many aspects of this position.

Special Projects: Compiles education information, drafts reports/project assignments for the various projects and obtains appropriate review before completing assignments.  Prepares correspondence, newsletter, articles and briefings on issues related to nonnative fish and wildlife management, including assisting supervisor with organizing the annual Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program report. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervises three OPS Fish and Wildlife Biologist III staff that manage the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program (EPAP) and assist with other priority outreach initiatives. Oversees the continued development and improvement of the EPAP by providing guidance and recommendations to staff and leadership.

Primary duties will include:

• Developing and implementing new and innovative outreach programs, initiatives and educational materials to engage the public in invasive species control and management;
• Implementing annual Florida Python Challenge™ and other outreach events;
• Coordinating and organizing public/stakeholder workshops and Python Patrol trainings;
• Preparing, purchasing and updating outreach materials while maintaining an inventory of all materials;
• Engaging with staff, partner agencies, CISMAs and other stakeholders on nonnative fish and wildlife control and management issues in Florida;
• Staffing educational booths and providing presentations at events, festivals, and other appropriate venues and tracking staff and public attendance at these events;
• Maintaining and updating the FWC’s nonnative fish and wildlife websites;
• Serving on committees and teams as appropriate and attending meetings, workshops, and conferences;
• Purchasing educational materials when necessary, including printing, and maintaining inventory of these items;
• Answering or delegating “Ask FWC” and tracker requests and other correspondence from the public as well as social (and other) media inquiries;
• Supervising three OPS Biological Scientist III staff that oversee the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program and other outreach initiatives;
• Responding to other human-wildlife conflict issues as needed.

This position will include occasional driving throughout Florida to attend or host events, festivals, meetings, workshops and to engage with partners. Must be able to work independently, and have an ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.

Additional duties will include:

• Providing educational materials and presentations to the FWC staff including Law Enforcement, partner agencies, the public, and other wildlife professionals;
• Conducting other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff statewide;
• Providing editorial review of documents for WIM staff;
• Managing educational and outreach activities and trainings on nonnative wildlife issues.

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation;
• Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service; 
• Technical writing experience;
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints and deadlines;
• Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives;
• Extensive experience with public speaking and meeting coordination;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others;
• Ability to work independently;
• Experience mentoring and supervising staff.

Desired qualifications include:

• Familiarity with Florida’s nonnative species issues;
• Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision when needed;
• Computer experience (Adobe Pro, GIS, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Access, MS Excel and Outlook);
• Ability to travel up to 25%. Periods of the year may require more extensive travel.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid driver’s license

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.