OPSF & W Biological Scientist III - 77902199

Requisition No: 852942 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPSF & W Biological Scientist III - 77902199

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902199 

Salary:  $21.63 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/01/2025 

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Job Title: OPS Biological Scientist III - 77902199

Position Number:  77902199

Class Title:  OPS Fish and Wildlife Biologist III

Broadband Code:  19-1023-03

Office/Section:  Office of Conservation Planning Services      

Location:  Tallahassee

County:  Leon

Facility:  Russell Park Complex, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee FL 32301

Supervisor:  Kristal Walsh 

OPS Hourly Rate:  $21.63

Working hours:  8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), Monday through Friday

List of any subordinates supervised:  None

Years of Experience Desired:  1+ preferred

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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 a professional position that contributes GIS and database management support for the Habitat and Species Conservation Division’s Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS).  OCPS provides scientific support and technical assistance to a wide array of private and public sector landowners and local, state, and federal governmental entities on wildlife conservation-related issues.  The incumbent will assist in providing technical GIS support to OCPS biological scientists, assisting with database management, and conducting data set maintenance. 

The FWC permits the relocation of gopher tortoises from donor sites and gopher tortoise recipient sites for soft release of relocated gopher tortoises on eligible properties with well-managed upland habitat. The qualified candidate selected for this position will work with a team of biologists to review and analyze spatial aspects of permitting gopher tortoise relocation, including evaluating the potential of properties for permitting gopher tortoise recipient sites. The selected candidate will also assess gopher tortoise population and vegetation survey designs, easement boundaries, and other spatial characteristics for implementation on proposed recipient sites and provide technical assistance to applicants and landowners as appropriate. In addition, the selected candidate will review monitoring reports and maintain related geodatabases, as well as map and organize a variety of report data.

Additional duties include:

• Assisting with GIS database development, implementation, and support
• Tracking, maintaining, and organizing a variety of spatial permitting processes, including pre-application support, permitted properties (e.g., easements), and documenting monitoring activities (e.g., mortality data).
• Providing technical assistance to staff on introductory GIS skills, mapping, and basic analyses; assisting with process improvements and training
• Coordinating with GIS administrators and information technology staff throughout the agency on data management, database design, software usage, etc.
• Staying informed of current and relevant science, management, and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals
• Participating in team meetings, seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management and GIS
• Participating in other training opportunities within and outside FWC

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experienced in using ESRI ArcGIS Pro and Online
• Knowledge of relational databases and data management principles
• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, soils, and landcover maps
• Experienced in using Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in troubleshooting and problem solving
• After the initial training period, ability to train others on the use of ArcGIS
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Preference for an understanding of southeastern ecosystems, flora, and fauna, particularly gopher tortoises

Minimum Qualifications:

Five years of relevant experience.  A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (GIS, geography, natural resources, wildlife management, etc.) can substitute for four of the five years of required experience, or completion of a program of study from a vocational/technical school in GIS or related curriculum can substitute on a year for year basis for the required experience.  Candidates must have experience with geographic information systems and writing and reviewing technical documents.  Additional experience or education with natural resource management or ecology is preferred.  Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service. 

For questions regarding this position, please contact Kristal Walsh at Kristal.Walsh@MyFWC.com  or (850) 851-8065.

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.