OPS-F & W Biological Scientist III - 77902415

Requisition No: 365784

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS-F & W Biological Scientist III - 77902415

Position Number: 77902415

Salary: $20.51 an hour

Posting Closing Date: 05/16/2021

Position Number: 77902415

Position Title: OPS Fish and Wildlife Biologist III

Length of Advertisement: 2 weeks

Type of Advertisement: Open-Competitive

OPS Hourly Rate of Pay: $20.51 Full time (40 hrs/week)

Supervisor: Katherine Gentry

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Physical Address: 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee FL 32301

Region: Tallahassee (Headquarters)

County: Leon

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

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: Florida

Level of Education: Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) degree in forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, natural resources, or a related discipline

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule.

• Strong data management skills.

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to listen and effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with landowners, land managers, foresters, and other staff.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers; ability to present technical information to various audiences

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, soils, and CLC maps.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Adobe Acrobat, and GPS units.

• Experience conducting standardized surveys for gopher tortoises and other wildlife (line transect distance sampling experience preferred).

• Working knowledge of common land management practices, including prescribed fire and forestry techniques utilized in the Southeast.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. An understanding of conservation easements, permitting, and a willingness to expand personal knowledge of the topic preferred.

• Preference for an understanding of southeastern ecosystems, flora, and fauna.

• Preference for the ability to use ATVs, 4-wheel drive trucks and handle off-road conditions.

• Good physical condition, including the ability to work in varying outdoor conditions as required to carry out duties. Must not be deterred by heat, ticks, bugs, or snakes.

Description of Duties: FWC conserves habitat for gopher tortoises and other native wildlife using various mitigation programs and conservation easements. These conservation easements protect critical upland and wetland habitats and perpetuate traditional rural land uses of sustainable forestry, cattle ranching, and recreational hunting. The qualified candidate selected for this position will work with a team of biologists to monitor existing properties with conservation easements through site visits and data collection. The selected candidate will also conduct assessments on these properties to confirm implementation of requisite habitat management prescriptions and ensure compliance. In addition, the selected candidate will evaluate and verify habitat suitability for gopher tortoises and other listed species in areas under consideration for recipient sites. The selected candidate will also help determine listed species occurrences via the agency's standard survey methods, as well as verify estimated population sizes and the area extent (acres) of habitat suitability and occupation. Responsibilities include reviewing draft conservation easement documents and habitat management plans to implement permit conservation requirements and assisting with activities to address gopher tortoise conservation planning and monitoring (e.g., assisting with the development and implementation of projects in support of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and other protected species conservation initiatives).

The selected candidate will work closely with the other agency biologists who directly implement permitting actions using FWC permitting standards and provide skills and expertise on teams as needed across organizational structure. The selected candidate will also work with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the management plan. The selected candidate will assist and collaborate with regional and state-wide staff, as well as provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management. The selected candidate will be expected to inform and respond 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; and partaking in other training opportunities within and outside FWC. The selected candidate will be expected to present technical and educational information to conservation organizations, professional audiences, schools and civic groups. Some overnight travel will be required (25-50%).

Position Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and conduct annual and triennial monitoring and stewardship of conservation easements and other conservation properties statewide following FWC's policies and procedures.

• Provide extension services and technical assistance for landowners and land managers.

• Work with FWC's Landowner Assistance Program biologists to provide technical assistance to conservation-minded private landowners.

• Ensure all monitoring reports are received, reviewed for accuracy/completeness, and adequately stored in the easement database.

• Assist with new recipient site applications, including the development of baseline documentation reports, conservation management plans, and legal conservation easements.

• Document conservation easement violations and work to obtain a resolution.

• Participate in periodic outreach events directed toward landowners, land managers, and other interested parties.

• Contribute to FWC community outreach, including its website and other public relations and educational materials.

• Participate in line transect distance sampling population surveys for gopher tortoises (1-2 annually).

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.