OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci IV - 77909126

Requisition No: 842899 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci IV - 77909126

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909126 

Salary:  $27.00 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/08/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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.

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist IV

Salary: $27/hr

Position number: 77909126                                                                        

Level of Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred

Region: Statewide

County: To be determined based on applicant pool

Working hours: 40hrs/week. Overnight travel may be required no more than 25% of the time.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: State of Florida office location to be determined

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section: Invasive Plant Management

Sub-section: Aquatic

Address: TBD

Supervisor: Mariah McInnis

OPS Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Description of duties:  

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices.  This position will be based in north, central, or south Florida, with a statewide operational focus, to enhance invasive plant management efforts by acting as a research liaison. The Invasive Plant Management Research program funds an average of $1.3 million of projects each year, but effectively translating a significant portion of our findings into large-scale management remains a logistical challenge. This role would bridge the gap between researchers and field biologists, ensuring the practical application of research through field trials and improved communication. This position would implement field trials of innovative management techniques and will expand the use of biological control as a supplemental management strategy. This role would support our section's goals by advancing management strategies that are essential to preserving native habitats and resources across the state.

This position will also assist with the researching, planning, development, and maintenance of other projects as needed such as surveying and mapping EDRR (early detection rapid response) species that appear throughout the state.

Persons applying for this position should be comfortable working independently in the field, have experience trailering and operating boats and ATVs and have experience in plant identification and the control of invasive species. Experience with public speaking or presenting information to the public and/or professional peer groups is preferred. Experience conducting or assisting with invasive plant research is highly preferred. The employee will be required to interact professionally with researchers, the public, and other partners to provide accurate information concerning invasive plant species, infested area conditions, and will attend regional and divisional meetings and training programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well with team members and members of the public. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines;
• knowledge of invasive plant management principles and practices;
• understanding of basic scientific research principles and practices;
• ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to plant management;
• familiarity with nonnative species issues;
• demonstrated technical writing ability;
• public speaking experience;
• experience working with the public and/or stakeholder representatives;
• on occasion, the ability to travel for several days at a time throughout Florida.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license

Desired qualifications include:

• Good organizational and problem-solving skills
• Experience with herbicide applications
• Experience conducting scientific experiments in a field setting
• Experience operating drones
• Experience driving outboard boats and airboats
• Experience trailering boats and other equipment
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Florida

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers limited benefits.

 Benefits 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 to determine eligibility.)    

•           Deferred Compensation - voluntary

•           Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

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.