OPS- Biological Scientist III - 77905014

State of Florida•DeFuniak Springs, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

An Area Bear Biologist will be hired to provide human-bear conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement in the western panhandle of Florida. This position is one of four Area Bear Biologists located in key locations across the state. The position will work as part of a team with staff from other Sections and Divisions to respond to public requests for assistance with human-bear conflicts, which will include site visits to provide technical assistance and assess causes of conflicts, trapping, immobilizing and either relocating or euthanizing bears, and retrieving biological information from and disposing of carcasses of dead bears. The position will coordinate the activities of multiple Bear Response Contractors, manage a bear deterrent loaner equipment program for the public, manage bear traps and other equipment for agency use, and enter field data on bears collected in their area of responsibility into an agency-wide online wildlife database. The position will actively seek out and provide outreach opportunities to partner agencies, local governments, businesses, and residents at public events, meetings, schools, and other venues and maintain communications and relationships with local stakeholders. The position will assist in the implementation of many strategies outlined in the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan for their area of responsibility.

Requirements

A high school diploma and six years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program.
A valid driver’s license.
Ability to participate in limited statewide travel.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or other natural resources field.
Two or more years of experience working with wildlife, preferably human-wildlife conflicts.
Experience with trapping and handling wildlife, preferably bears.
Experience working with stakeholder groups.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

Provide human-bear conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
Respond to public requests for assistance with human-bear conflicts.
Conduct site visits to provide technical assistance and assess causes of conflicts.
Trap, immobilize, and relocate or euthanize bears.
Retrieve biological information from and dispose of carcasses of dead bears.
Coordinate the activities of multiple Bear Response Contractors.
Manage a bear deterrent loaner equipment program for the public.
Manage bear traps and other equipment for agency use.
Enter field data on bears collected into an agency-wide online wildlife database.
Seek out and provide outreach opportunities to partner agencies, local governments, businesses, and residents.
Maintain communications and relationships with local stakeholders.
Assist in the implementation of strategies outlined in the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan.