F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77072930

Requisition No: 309202 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77072930

Position Number: 77072930 

Salary:  $1,456.45 bi-weekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 03/09/2021 

ANTICPATED VACANCY 

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III (Gopher Tortoise Conservation Biologist)
Broadband Level:  LEVEL 3 - LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-03/5074
Position Number: 77072930
Annual Salary Range: $ 1,456.45 bi-weekly + benefits
Announcement Type: Open Competitive
City: West Palm Beach
Pay Grade/ Pay Band: 022/9

Address: 8535 Northlake Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Supervisor: Ricardo Zambrano

Biweekly Salary: $ 1,456.45

Description of duties:

The qualified candidate selected for this Career Service position will be responsible for working with a team of biologists to review, evaluate, and process applications submitted for gopher tortoise permits, and drafts permits to agency standards. The selected candidate will coordinate and attend site visits to permitted areas to ensure compliance, to areas under consideration for permitting to evaluate and verify habitat suitability for gopher tortoises and other listed species, and determine listed species occurrences via the agency’s standard survey methods, verifying estimated population sizes, and the area extent (acres) of habitat occupation. The selected candidate will conduct assessments on previously established gopher tortoise conservation sites to confirm that requisite habitat management prescriptions have been implemented. Responsibilities also include reviewing draft conservation easement documents and habitat management plans to implement permit conservation requirements and goals. This position also works collaboratively with a regional team to improve wildlife conservation in the region. These duties include assisting with or leading priority conservation projects, developing or enhancing partnerships with other organizations, providing technical assistance to the public and other agencies regarding conservation of non-game wildlife, inputting and managing data, maintaining equipment, and providing other administrative support for regional activities as necessary.  The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the management plan. They will also assist and collaborate with regional and state-wide staff and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation. Responsible for informing and responding to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, research, and rule and regulations. Duties include staying informed of current and relevant science regarding gopher tortoises and commensals, participating in team meetings, seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management or other training opportunities within and outside FWC. The selected candidate is responsible for presenting technical and educational information to conservation organizations, professional audiences, schools and civic groups.

Qualifications  

Applicants must have at least a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, fisheries biology, or a related discipline and at least two years professional experience in a related field. A Masters of Science (M.S.) degree is preferred.  Knowledge in gopher tortoise and other wildlife survey procedures, the identification of natural communities and listed wildlife species endemic to Florida is highly desirable; knowledge of the Florida listed species process, permitting, and/or wildlife conservation is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge in gopher tortoise and other wildlife survey protocols
• Knowledge of Florida listed species permitting is preferred
• Ability to identify natural communities and listed wildlife species endemic to Florida is highly desirable
• Knowledge or experience on habitat management techniques that benefit terrestrial wildlife
• Ability to spend long hours outdoors, walking across uneven terrain in various climate conditions
• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, soils, and FLUCCS maps
• Skill in interacting and communicating effectively with internal and outside entities, including both written and verbal communication
• Skill in presenting technical information to various audiences
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Skill in using computers and relevant software, use and maintenance of equipment required
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments, multi-task, establish and meet deadlines; possesses good time management skills
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Strong customer service skills required
• Ability to frequently travel out of town with overnight stays 
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region: South

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County: Palm Beach

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

Residency requirement: Florida

Minimum Level of Education: Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, fisheries biology, or a related discipline

License Requirements: Valid Florida 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.

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.  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.