FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000662

Requisition No: 838892 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000662

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000662 

Salary:  $1,923.08 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 11/20/2024 

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

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position Number: 77000662

Location: Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL preferred; one of FWC’s regional offices may be considered based on applicant’s qualifications

Salary: $1,923.08 bi-weekly plus benefits

Supervisor: Michelina Dziadzio

Broadband Code: 19-1023-04

Class Code: 5075

Region: Northwest

Class Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

County: Leon

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm

Work outside of regular 8-hour schedule may occasionally be required.

List of Subordinates Supervised:  may include supervision of 1 OPS Biological Scientist II

Residency Requirement: Florida

Level of Education:  Prefer a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences with two years of supervisory and professional experience in conservation programs strongly preferred. Years of experience can substitute for a degree.

A resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. 

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education and numerous agency trainings for professional development.   

Description of Duties.  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking a fish and wildlife professional for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This position requires a passion for conservation, dedication to working with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to work creatively to address conservation challenges.

This position serves as the Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of FWC. This is a professional position that requires detailed understanding of gopher tortoise natural history and conservation practices, strong organizational and time management skills, public speaking and meeting management experience, research and analytical skills, the ability to manage various projects and contracts, and administrative/supervisory experience.

The Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator will lead programmatic implementation and coordination of Florida’s Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and associated conservation actions. They will work to develop collaborative partnerships and engage with stakeholders to promote the implementation of conservation practices that benefit gopher tortoises and their habitats. This position communicates the conservation goals, objectives, actions, policies, and permitting procedures included in the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan to interest groups, permit applicants, permittees, stakeholders, and the public. The incumbent will also lead or participate on the Gopher Tortoise Policy Team, lead the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan Implementation Team, and plans bi-annual meetings of the Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group (GTTAG). The incumbent will also have a lead role in the revision of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, as applicable.

The incumbent will serve as a Subject Matter Expert regarding tortoise biology, research needs, conservation priorities, and habitat management practices. They will provide input on requests for habitat management plan amendments, research permits related to gopher tortoises, media requests, and other agency communications. This position coordinates an annual call for gopher tortoise research and outreach proposals and manages contracts with awarded parties. When appropriate, this position also assists in developing, amending, and/or managing Memorandums of Agreement and other contracts.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with facilitation of internal and public meetings, providing skills and expertise wherever needed through work on interdisciplinary teams (both internal and external), developing gopher tortoise eLearning modules, participating in easement and/or recipient site monitoring, and coordinating and participating in a variety of education and outreach events. This position may also perform related work as directed by their supervisor. These duties include, but are not limited to, timely completion of routine paperwork, preparation of reports, or assisting with Agency, Division or Section priorities. Some overnight travel will be required (1-25%). This position may supervise one position that will manage datasets and assist with tracking implementation of conservation actions. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate for this position will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation. They will possess exceptional leadership, supervisory, partnership relations, administration, and project and time management skills. In addition, the candidate will have:

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, permitting requirements, and management practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of Florida upland ecosystems and suitable gopher tortoise habitat.
• Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.
• Skills in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and scientific writing.
• Skills in visioning, long-range planning, and developing innovative solutions.
• Skill in developing contracts and contract management.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interpret scientific information to stakeholders.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations, analyze complex issues, and supervise staff.
• Ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and stakeholder meetings.
• Ability to form partnerships, travel, and train staff.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office and ESRI/ArcGIS applications, preferred.

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.