Job Opportunity Fish & Wildlife Technician position number 77001157

Requisition No: 724241 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Technician - 77001157

Position Number: 77001157 

Salary:  $1,200.00 bi-weekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 11/21/2022 

Position address: Okaloacoochee Slough WMA, 100 CR 832, Felda, FL 33930

Starting pay rate: $1,200.00 bi-weekly + benefits

Supervisor: Ryder Hochmuth    

 

 Description of duties:

FWC is seeking a highly motivated candidate with mechanical experience to assist with the management of Okaloacoochee Slough (OK Slough) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hendry County, FL. This position serves as a full-time, Fish & Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors.

Responsibilities include operation and maintenance of area equipment including trucks, ATV/UTVs, swamp buggies, tractors plus their implements, and various small equipment (e.g., water pumps, mowers, chainsaws, weed eaters, etc.) in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations.

 

Additional duties include the restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat through prescribed fire, firebreak maintenance, native plantings, and mechanical and chemical vegetation control (e.g., mowing, roller chopping, herbicide application) throughout the area. As well as assisting the lead area biologist with other projects as needed.

Applicant must possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment and follow manufacturer’s recommendations for regular preventative maintenance. The successful candidate will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game and will assist biologists with wildlife survey efforts. The successful candidate must be field-oriented and will serve as a key member of the WMA’s prescribed burn team.

The position will also assist with the planning, development, and maintenance of projects, public use facilitation, building maintenance, and fence, gate, and sign construction and maintenance. The applicant will interact with various partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. Occasionally will attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, or will assist on other WMAs as needed. Applicants with a valid Class A CDL and S-130/S-190 wildland fire certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to operate and maintain farm tractors and implements, transports, ATVs, UTVs, welders, power tools and small engine motors; ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions; ability to plan and organize work assignments; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to be able to manage several assignments simultaneously. Incumbent is expected to have a strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, agency staff, and diverse public users. Incumbent shall have good organizational skills and be able to work in a fast-paced or changing environment.

Broadband code: 19-4021-01

Class code: 5031

Region: South

Title: Fish & Wildlife Technician

County: Hendry

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday (early mornings, evenings and weekends as required)

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: Reside within a 25-mile radius of the Okaloacoochee Slough/Spirit of the Wild Field Office

Level of education: High School Diploma or GED

Additional requirements: Incumbent must have a valid driver’s license. Must possess or obtain valid Class A Florida Commercial Driver’s License within first 270 days of employment and maintain license annually. Must complete S-130/S-190 courses within 6 months of employment. Required to hand lift at least 50 pounds to repeatedly load and offload equipment. Occasional overnight travel is required. Position is subject to random drug screening.

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.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  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.