OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77901821

State of Florida•Apalachicola, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The FWC’s Northwest Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team consisting of three biologists and one other technician on Apalachicola River Wildlife Environmental Area (WEA) in Gulf and Franklin County, FL. This position serves as a Fish and Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team of land managers to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The successful candidate will be a key team member responsible for all aspects of management of the WEA including applications of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats. Habitat improvement is focused on imperiled and locally important species including, but not limited to the Red-Cockaded woodpecker, white-tailed deer, and Barbours Map turtle. This position assists with planting wildlife food plots and dove fields to benefit wildlife and ensure a high-quality recreational experience for area users. The successful candidate will also assist with the collection of biological data from hunter harvested game including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens, as well as the implementation of various wildlife surveys. Additionally, this position will assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs and buildings. The position will operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.). The incumbent will assist other wildlife management areas as directed and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management. Occasionally, the successful candidate will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various training courses as needed.

Requirements

A high school diploma/GED and 1 year of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required.
Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license.
Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.
Must obtain a State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License within 270 days of appointment and maintain license thereafter.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk or stand for extended time periods
Must be able to work at night (occasionally) or in inclement weather.
Ability to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy equipment, tractors, farm implements, ATVs, and outboard motors.
Knowledge and experience in electrical, carpentry, plumbing, welding, and painting.
Knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire.
Knowledge and experience with chemical or mechanical control of native and invasive exotic vegetation.
Knowledge of GPS (Global Positioning Systems).
Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys with an emphasis on nongame species.
Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task.
Ability to deal effectively with customers.
Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers.

Nice To Haves

Vocational training or an associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Possesses and maintains a Class A CDL License
Has successfully completed Florida certified prescribed burn manager training or basic fire management training
Has at least 2 years of direct, applied experience in management of Florida natural communities

Responsibilities

Applications of prescribed fire
Mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats
Planting wildlife food plots and dove fields
Collection of biological data from hunter harvested game including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens
Implementation of various wildlife surveys
Infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs and buildings
Operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.)
Assist other wildlife management areas as directed
Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management
Attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various training courses as needed