FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

DESCRIPTION

Title:  OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Working Title  Wildlife Assistance Biologist

Salary:  23.44/hour, 40 Hours a week, not to exceed 1,920 hours per fiscal year

Position number: 77902497

Broadband Level: LEVEL 3 - LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE 19-1023-03

Level of Education: A bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline preferred.

Region: Southwest

County: Polk

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, some nights and weekend work may be required. Overnight travel may be required.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section: Wildlife Impact Management

Sub-section: Wildlife Assistance Program

Address:  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3900 Drane Field Rd, Lakeland FL 33811

Supervisor: Rhonda Latour

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Minimum Qualifications:

Prefer a bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with at least two (2) years wildlife-related professional experience and experience with wildlife-related education and outreach.

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

Cover letters and resumes shall be uploaded to the People First System.

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

Description of Position:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section (WIM) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Assistance Biologist. The incumbent serves to support regional Wildlife Assistance Biologists by providing information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife to the public, other agencies, and other Commission staff. Assistance may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Work outside of normal business hours is generally not required. Some field work may occur but is not a regular component of this position. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Assistance Program at outreach events, presentations to citizen groups, and site visits to provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment as necessary. The Wildlife Assistance Biologists works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to:  

• Coordinate management of conflict wildlife situations including those involving bears, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife species.
• Network to establish clear communication across the agency about emerging wildlife issues.
• Assist with the implementation of response protocols for to human-wildlife conflict situations in coordination with other FWC programs including the Division of Law Enforcement.

Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Provide technical assistance to the public and other agencies on means to address human-wildlife conflicts and to promote strategies to coexist with wildlife.
• Maintain familiarity with prevalent conflict wildlife issues and continually identify and share best technical assistance practices and protocols as required.
• Provide coverage for other regional Wildlife Assistance Biologists as needed.
• Maintain an accurate and thorough daily log of public correspondence via the Wildlife Impact Management System database.
• Participate in public outreach efforts as directed to increase appreciation for wildlife and address conflict wildlife abatement or other wildlife-related issues.
• Assist the regional FWC Public Information Directors with media and stakeholder information requests.
• Respond to requests via the AskFWC program, to answer questions about wildlife or wildlife conflict resolution.
• Occasionally support the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s management efforts through response activities.
• Remain up to date on Commission rules and regulations regarding protected wildlife, the take of wildlife, conflict wildlife abatement, and related issues.

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC message.

Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC’s invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.
• Exemplary customer service skills and an ability to interface effectively with the public over the phone on a daily basis regarding sensitive topics.
• Ability to develop and effectively present educational outreach material to adult audiences
• Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, data management, and mapping.
• Knowledge of and experience with wildlife damage control techniques.
• Ability to identify native and non-native wildlife.
• Knowledge of wildlife issues in Florida.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines with minimal, remote supervision.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, stakeholder representatives and coworkers.
• Skill in providing good customer service.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• Ability to travel overnight less than 25% of the time.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Florida driver’s license 

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

 WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights

FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application / selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance.

The State Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship and or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which applications is made. E-Verify will be used to confirm work authorization.

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.