OPS Fish & Wildlife tech - 77901618

Requisition No: 852462 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish & Wildlife tech - 77901618

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901618 

Salary:  $18.23 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/18/2025 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position number: 77901618

Address and telephone number: Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area, 1630 Royce Ranch Ave, Lake Placid, Fl 33852; (863) 699-3937

Supervisor:  Vacant 

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

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

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

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.

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

Starting pay rate: $18.23/hr.

Broadband code: 19-4021-01

Class code: 5031

Region: Southwest

Title: OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician

County: Highlands

City: Lake Placid

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

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.

Level of Education: High school diploma 

Additional Requirements: Must possess or obtain a valid Florida Driver’s License. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Employee allowed to work a maximum of 1,920 hours per fiscal year (to be prorated based upon hiring date). Occasional overnight travel is required.

Benefits: Participate in group health insurance.

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.