OPS -Fish & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77909060

State of Florida • Marathon, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section. FWC is seeking a highly motivated biologist to assist the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (FKWEA) team with a variety of habitat management goals throughout the upper, middle, and lower Keys. The FKWEA is composed of approximately 5,800 acres of noncontiguous tracts of land that stretch over more than 80 miles (from Key Largo to just northeast of Key West). These tracts range in size from just a few acres to over 900 acres. Though small compared to some other state managed lands, the FKWEA contains some of the best examples of undisturbed tropical hardwood hammocks in the continental United States. Within these hammocks resides a unique combination of imperiled plant and wildlife species. The FKWEA has other natural community types as well, including coastal rock barren, tidal flats, coastal berm, and mangrove swamp.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and 5 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license.
• Required to operate FWC vessels in waters of the state and adjacent federal waters.
• The ability to navigate using GPS units and aerial maps.
• The ability to operate specialized equipment (including vessels and trailers)
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience in accurately collecting and organizing field data.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work independently as well as function as a member of a team.
• This job involves strenuous work in harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat and biting insects.
• The incumbent is required to be in good physical condition and able to work outside year-round.
• Incumbent should be comfortable working independently in the field once trained; this position is primarily field-based.

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field.
• Strong familiarity with the native plants, animals, and habitats of the Florida Keys.
• Experience with habitat restoration work and wildlife surveys.
• Experience towing and operating a variety of vessels.

Responsibilities

• Preparing for and conducting wildlife surveys
• Maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using Excel and ArcGIS
• Maintaining equipment and infrastructure including public use areas, gates, and boundary signs
• Assisting with and coordinating marine debris removal projects
• Interacting with partner agencies and the public
• Participating in restoration projects, including native planting projects, non-tidal freshwater monitoring, and invasive plant control using mechanical treatment and herbicide application
• Regularly work independently in the field
• Work as a team with other FWC staff within the South Region to accomplish various projects or land management activities
• Occasionally attend regional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED