Job Opportunity OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III Position number 77904004

Requisition No: 509164 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS-F & W BS III TNSM - 77904004

Position Number: 77904004 

Salary:  $20.51 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 12/17/2021 

Position Title:  Avian Conservation Biologist

Position Number: 77904004

Class Title: OPS Biological Scientist III

Address: (Preferred) 1239 SW 10th Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471;Considered) other FWC offices

Supervisor: Adrienne Fitzwilliam, Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV 

Starting salary: $20.51/hour; based on working a maximum of 1,920 hours in a fiscal year

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Region: Statewide

County: Marion (preferred); other (considered)

Working hours: M-F 8-5, with occasional non-standard hours

List of subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Level of Education: Minimum of bachelor’s degree in a life or physical biological sciences is required. A degree in wildlife science, natural resource management, ecology, or similar and two years of professional experience is preferred. A Master’s degree in fields described and one year of professional experience is preferred.

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

 

OPS Employment Description: The position is OPS (Other Personnel Services) which means that employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System. OPS employees do have the option to receive health insurance benefits. 

Description of Duties: 

The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking to fill a Biologist III position to assist the Section’s Avian Conservation Coordinator with addressing avian conservation issues and with developing and implementing projects for listed and other important avian species.

 

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic and self-motivated to complete quality work on time and will demonstrate strong leadership and communication abilities together with strong abilities to develop and carry out projects with minimal supervision and to also work as an effective team member when assisting on other projects.

 

Responsibilities and duties will include:

• Assisting with coordination of avian conservation activities across the agency and with external partners and stakeholders;
• Serving as a liaison across FWC work units to promote avian conservation efforts;
• Developing and maintaining partnerships for avian conservation;
• Providing technical expertise and assistance to FWC staff and the public for conservation and management issues and for regulatory issues and rules;
• Assisting with the implementation of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Plan for birds.
• Assisting with development of rules, policies, and management plans for birds.
• Working on various FWC teams as needed;
• Reviewing avian permit applications;
• Compiling and summarizing data and literature and preparing documents such as management plans and permitting guidelines.
• Facilitating meetings and workshops with internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Assisting with applying for and administering grants needed to fund conservation projects;
• Perform various administrative tasks associated with agency operations.  Duties include preparing and reviewing itineraries, travel vouchers, purchasing forms, vehicle operation reports, performance expectations, and other routine administrative reports. Perform similar or other tasks as assigned, as well as recommended training to enhance and maintain professional development and skills. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of population ecology and biology principles, especially avian ecology and biology;
• Knowledge of wildlife science and conservation principles;
• Knowledge of Florida’s fish and wildlife, particularly birds; and applicable federal and state laws, rules, and policies.
• Skills in the use of computers for word processing, data management, communications, and ArcGIS.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, to large and small groups
• Strong writing skills;
• Skilled in time management and information management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and develop partnerships with other agency staff members, partners, and stakeholders to achieve desired results;
• Ability to efficiently organize information and details and manage multiple projects;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to collect biological data and to conduct moderately strenuous wildlife management and monitoring activities outdoors;
• Ability to safely operate vehicles;
• Ability to work 40 hours a week with occasional overnight travel associated with agency mission critical guidelines. This includes travel to conferences, meetings, trainings, and other relevant activities.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee