OPS -Biological Scientist II - 77901085

Requisition No: 845315 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS -Biological Scientist II - 77901085

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901085 

Salary:  $20.83 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 02/16/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Position number: 77901085

Address and telephone number: Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, 29200 Tuckers Grade Punta Gorda, FL 33955 (863) 648-3200

Supervisor:  Andrew Pope 

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 exists for an entry-level Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area in Charlotte 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. Incumbent is responsible for monitoring the WMA’s population of red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCWs) through identifying birds by reading color bands (binoculars and spotting scopes), nest searching and nest monitoring (telescopic peepers), climbing trees to clean cavities (Swedish climbing ladders), tree marking and associated vegetation management, and data entry. Additional responsibilities include:

• Installs, refurbishes, and replaces artificial nesting inserts at a height of 15-30’.
• Provides recommendations and participates in the WMA’s wildlife habitat management activities including prescribed burning, mechanical actions, chemical applications, and timber management.
• Exercises sound and informed wildlife management decision making through effective communication with supervisors and area staff.
• Operates and maintains vehicles including four-wheel drive trucks and ATVs in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. 
• Prepares and submits accurate weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for timesheets, purchasing, nesting, banding, recruitment, and accomplishments. 
• Exercises professional data management through organized and accessible physical and electronic record keeping.
• Assists in the development of WMA projects by ensuring compliance with federal standards for the endangered RCW.
• Interacts professionally with the public, partners, and agency staff by providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. 
• Attends regional and divisional meetings and training programs necessitating occasional travel.
• Supervises the use of volunteers.

            Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

            Ability to climb trees while carrying and operating hand tools and chainsaws; ability to operate and maintain chainsaws; ability to work independently; ability to plan and organize work assignments; familiarization with outdoor recreational activities; knowledge of wildlife and land management principles and practices; expert use of personal computers to include ArcGIS and Microsoft Office.

Additional requirements:

       Starting pay rate: $20.83/hr.

Broadband code: 19-1023-02

Class code:  5028

Region: Southwest

Title: OPS Biological Scientist II

County: Charlotte

Working hours: Employee allowed to work a maximum of 1,920 hours per year (prorated based upon hiring date). Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm, with seasonal assignments outside normal daily working hours to monitor RCWs.

List of any subordinates supervised:  N/A

Residency requirement: None

Level of Education: Prefer a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and 1 year of professional biological experience; or at least 4 years of relevant work experience.

Additional requirements: Hiring contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Must have or be able to obtain a State of FL 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.