OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902381

State of Florida•PALMDALE, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fish & Wildlife Technician is a Public Access Technician in the Public Access Services Office within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The position supports the Construction and Maintenance team and FWC area staff in maintaining and improving public access and outdoor recreation on FWC-managed areas. The posting places the position at the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area Field Office in Moore Haven, Florida, and notes that an onsite trailer pad with full RV hookups at the Fisheating Creek Outpost campground in Palmdale may be available for housing. The role is described as a full-time OPS position paying $16.83 per hour, with health benefits. The work involves maintaining, repairing, monitoring, and implementing public access opportunities and infrastructure. The technician may work outdoors and in remote areas, conduct general handyman work, and assist area staff with varied projects. Training and participation in prescribed-fire activities may be available, but prior prescribed-fire experience is not required. Occasional overnight travel is required. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history/background check, and the employee must maintain a valid minimum Class E Florida driver’s license.

Requirements

High school diploma and one year of post-high-school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological, or related agriculture or construction work. Vocational training or an associate degree in a related field from an accredited school or college may substitute year for year for the required experience.
Maintain a valid minimum Class E Florida driver’s license.
Be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in remote areas and inclement weather.
Be available for occasional overnight travel.
Complete a satisfactory criminal history/background check as a condition of employment.
Demonstrate cooperation, communication, and teamwork, along with self-direction, self-motivation, sound decision-making, and the ability to maintain positive and respectful working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partners.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform skilled trade functions and physical labor using assorted hand, power, and gasoline tools.
Ability to operate ATVs, 4x4 vehicles, paddlecraft, and small powerboats.
Ability to accurately read and interpret maps and charts.
Ability to accurately use a compass and GPS.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals of varying backgrounds.
Interest or availability in training and participating in prescribed-fire activities; prior prescribed-fire experience is not required.

Responsibilities

Assess, clean, maintain, and repair public access infrastructure, including signs, trails, kiosks, boardwalks, picnic areas, wildlife observation platforms, and other structures.
Clear, mark, and maintain recreational trails and trailheads.
Propose new public access opportunities for potential implementation.
Monitor trails and facilities on FWC-managed areas to ensure they meet agency and state requirements.
Maintain equipment in safe, usable condition.
Construct amenities such as camping platforms and benches.
Develop relationships with local recreationists, including hikers, bikers, horseback riders, paddlers, anglers, and hunters.
Participate in outreach, including interacting with area users and attending volunteer work events.
Assist staff at FWC-managed areas with various projects.
Perform general handyman work.