OPS-F & W BS II - 77909027

Requisition No: 826410 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS-F & W BS II - 77909027

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909027 

Salary:  $20.83 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/02/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Position Number: 77909027

Position Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist – Level 2

Address: 663 Plantation Road, Perry, FL 32348

Direct Supervisor:  Kyle Shepherd 

Hiring Manager:  Cade Chaney, Phone: (352) 535-1335 Email:  Jain.Chaney@MyFWC.com

Note: 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. An exciting opportunity exists for a Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist II to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section to assist with the management of Big Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and other WMAs as needed.  We are seeking a highly motivated applicant that is willing to assist a productive team with the challenge of managing wildlife habitat and public recreational opportunities on 90,000+ acres of conservation land in Taylor and Dixie Counties.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting lead area biologists in developing and implementing management programs for the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area.
• Assists with planning and implementing effective habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, water level manipulations, and other projects.
• Assists with planning, developing, and coordinating projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates.
• Assists with developing bid specifications, overseeing contracts, and monitoring vendor compliance.
• Assists with the completion of annual work plans, budget proposals, accomplishment reports and other administrative tasks.
• Assists with public hunting and other recreational activities, including coordination and operation of check stations.
• Conducts population surveys using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing.
• Accurately and routinely submits reports of activity and accomplishments using online databases and ArcGIS.
• Surveys habitat types and monitors changes that take place in vegetative communities.
• Provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management.
• Proposes regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles.
• Participates in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management.
• Completes other duties or assists on other areas as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Experience with prescribed burning is preferred.

• Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys, including game and nongame species, collecting and analyzing data, and summarizing results.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques, fire ecology, and plant succession.
• Applied knowledge of chemical or mechanical control of invasive vegetation.
• Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles, farm tractors and implements, ATVs, and outboard motors.
• Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and prioritize multiple work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

• Familiarity with common outdoor recreation activities.
• Ability to write, edit, and produce scientific reports and summaries.
• Ability to use hand tools, including chainsaws, power tools, auger, etc.
• Knowledge of GIS software (ArcMap, ArcPro) and handheld GPS units and their applications.
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, etc.).

Broadband Code: 19-1023-02

Class Code: 5028

Region: North Central

County: Taylor

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm, with weekend and after-hours work occasionally required. 1920 hours per year.

Starting Salary: $20.83/hour

List of Subordinates Supervised:  Seasonal OPS employees and volunteers

Residency Requirement:  None

Level of Education:  Preferred Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences, or a Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences. Four years of directly related professional experience can substitute for the required Bachelor of Science degree.

License Requirements: Will be required to obtain and maintain a Florida Class E Driver’s License and Florida Certified Burn Manager Certification.

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.