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FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77001058

Employer
State of Florida
Location
Tallahassee, Florida, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Aug 11, 2021

View more

Sector
Academic / Research, Government
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Fisheries
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Requisition No: 400421

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77001058

Position Number: 77001058

Salary: $1,711.82 bi-weekly + benefits

Posting Closing Date: 08/09/2021

Title: FTE Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist IV

Working Title: Rules and Risk Assessment Coordinator

Salary: $1,711.82 biweekly

Position number: 77001058

Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-04/5075

Level of Education: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in life or physical sciences.

Region: NW, Tallahassee

County: Leon

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F. Overnight travel may be required.

List of any subordinates supervised: One (2) OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III (Nonnative Species Permitting Specialists)

Residency requirement: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section: Wildlife Impact Management

Sub-section: Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program

Address:

620 South Meridian Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Mail Station 1O

Supervisor: Sarah Funck, Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and at least three years of professional biological experience; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.

A valid Florida driver's license required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System. Should you have a problem submitting these through the People First System, email directly to Sarah.Funck@MyFWC.com

Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV Duties

The Wildlife Impact Management Section of the FWC's Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as the section's Fish and Wildlife Rules and Risk Assessment Coordinator. The mission of the Wildlife Impact Management Section is to minimize adverse impacts of fish and wildlife on Florida's environment, economy, and human health and safety. The incumbent will be primarily responsible for oversight of risk assessment for nonnative fish and wildlife and mitigation aspects of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program including implementing a risk assessment process for species of interest, implementing risk mitigation measures, rule development and revision. This position also oversees two OPS Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Permitting Specialists and the permitting program for nonnative fish and wildlife species. This position will have the opportunity to work on challenging nonnative species policies as part of a team.

Risk Assessment

The incumbent is responsible for managing all aspects of the agency's risk assessment process for nonnative fish and wildlife. This includes, but is not limited to the following activities:

    • Working with agency staff, external partners and researchers to develop and implement risk screening tools for the assessment of nonnative fish and wildlife;
    • Developing biological profiles and/or contracting with research entities to complete biological profiles on nonnative fish and wildlife;
    • Providing contract oversight and management for work conducted to assess the ecological risk of nonnative species, support risk screening tools or related topics;
    • Developing and implementing risk mitigation options that may include development of Memorandums of Understanding with partners and stakeholders, coordination with outreach staff, early detection and rapid response methodology;
    • Establishing and leading a Technical Assistance Group on nonnative fish and wildlife issues, which includes a wide range of stakeholders;
    • Assisting in the development of FWC policy on nonnative fish and wildlife species and coordinating administrative rule development for nonnative species, including review of species biological profiles, application of risk analysis, and writing rule language;
    • Working closely and effectively with internal and external stakeholders, such as the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement's Captive Wildlife Program, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, pet industry representatives, and other state and federal agencies while representing the FWC at workshops, meetings and appropriate conferences;
    • Serving on multiple agency teams, help lead agency teams, or serve on interagency work groups.


Nonnative Species Permitting

The incumbent is responsible for the implementation and coordination of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Species Permit Program. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to the following activities:

    • Supervising two OPS Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Permitting Specialists and ensuring all aspects of permits issued or denied are in accordance with FWC rules and policy and all applicable Florida Statutes.
    • Working with partner agencies and appropriate agency staff to implement any necessary training and education.
    • Communicating with appropriate FWC staff and other agencies on permitting-related issues.
    • Serving as a subject matter expert for nonnative fish and wildlife regulations and permitting requirements.


Developing Rules

The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the rule promulgation process. Duties may include developing supporting documents and websites, implementing and organizing public workshops pertaining to rule development, drafting rule language, and ensuring the proper statutory and agency procedures and policies for rule development are completed on time and as needed.

Other Duties

The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.

In carrying out duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware and abide by the Commission's standards of conduct, as well as any and all Commission rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

Responsible for the timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors.

Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements for Section 215.422.F.S., related State Comptroller's rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation generally. Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Minimum Level of Education:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience as described above; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.

An academic background in ecology, wildlife science, or conservation biology is preferred.

A master's degree or doctorate degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills and is able to work well with team members and members of the public.

Other knowledge, skills and abilities required include:
  • Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and techniques;
  • Experience conducting risk screenings for nonnative species and developing bioprofiles for nonnative fish and wildlife;
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced work climate, and able to adhere to regulatory time constraints;
  • Knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;
  • Familiarity with nonnative fish and wildlife species issues;
  • Technical writing ability;
  • Public speaking; and
  • Experience working with members of the public or stakeholder representatives.


Desired qualifications include:
  • The ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;
  • Demonstrated working knowledge and experience in permitting, regulatory and rule development processes;
  • Supervisory experience;
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities;
  • Ability and desire to be open-minded while working within a team of biologists to develop long-term solutions to nonnative wildlife management challenges;
  • Ability to multi-task as well as work alone when needed;
  • Knowledge of Florida plant/animal communities, and
  • The ability to travel less than 25%.


In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, please attach a cover letter. This letter should at a minimum explain your interest in the position and the organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

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.

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