OPS- Biological Scientist I - 77909034

Requisition No: 412641

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- Biological Scientist I - 77909034

Position Number: 77909034

Salary: $16.00-$20.00 an hour

Posting Closing Date: 07/31/2021

Position number: 77909034

Type of Position: Temporary OPS position

Pay Rate: $16.00 - $20.00/hr

Benefits: If incumbent meets eligibility requirements, Health insurance is available; no paid leave

Address of Position: 11241 Fort George Road, Fort George Island, FL

Broadband code: 19-1029-01

Class code: 5033

Region: North East and North Central

Class Title: Biological Scientist I

County: Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns

Working hours: Variable

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Supervisor: Jean Olbert

Contact Person: Jean Olbert

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

9741 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080

352-644-3539

Jean.Olbert@MyFWC.com

Description of Duties - The Shorebird Predation Management Biologist will work closely with the Regional Shorebird Biologist, other staff, and partners to continue to grow a shorebird predation management program which addresses predator issues at multiple sites within Northeast Florida (Nassau, Duval & St. Johns Counties). This individual will be responsible for identifying predator problems and devising and implementing site-specific solutions, frequently operating on beaches requiring extensive coordination and outreach. Predator identification will be conducted using tracking surveys to identify and determine the presence and spatial use patterns of various mammalian and avian predators in the beach/dune habitat and surrounding natural areas. Predator tracking and population assessments will be completed using sand transects, scent stations, bait stations, and game cameras. Activities may include the use of non-lethal and novel targeted predator aversion techniques and, when necessary, lethal control of avian and mammalian predators. This individual is expected to map and document all predation management activities, record GPS points, and create maps of all work areas using Google Earth. This individual may assist with report writing.

The Shorebird Predation Management Biologist will be responsible for communicating with local land managers and the public about predation management in beach dune habitat.

Level of Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience working for a natural resource management agency preferred. Applicant must be proficient with firearms and the use of a variety of traps and have shorebird and seabird nest identification skills. Preference will be given to applicants with strong interpersonal communication skills, problem solving experience, and outreach experience. A valid Driver's License is required along with the ability to drive a 4x4 pick-up truck and ATV. Applicant must have a current concealed carry permit (or be able to attain one prior to beginning the position). Must have a flexible work schedule (including weekend availability, when needed) and be able to work effectively with little direct supervision, in remote locations, and under hot and humid weather conditions. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook) is required. Applicant must have experience with a handheld GPS unit and mapping software such as Google Earth. Preference will be given to candidates that have experience with mammalian and avian predation management in the beach dune communities. The hired candidate will be expected to pass the Florida Hunter Safety course regulations and the FWC non-sworn employee firearm training within a short time after the hire date.

Work for this position will begin as soon as possible with funding available for at least 5 years. An FWC vehicle will be provided. The position will start as a Biological Scientist 1 ($16/hr) with housing provided for the first few months on Fort George Island. As the incumbent gains experience, we will upgrade the position to a Biological Scientist III ($20/hr), with housing no longer provided.

Please provide a cover letter and a resume when applying for the position.

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.