OPS F & W BS IV - 77902350

State of Florida

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. The position is located within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, in the Office of Conservation Planning Services. The position is a critical member of FWC’s gopher tortoise conservation program, working to conserve Florida’s only native tortoise and is responsible for assisting landowners and their gopher tortoise agents during the pre-application process for recipient sites. This is an office-based position with significant field work opportunities. The main function of this position will be to conduct recipient site pre-application consultations and site visits. The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Biologist will be responsible for providing assistance to public and private land managers and their agents before they submit an application to enroll their property as a recipient site. This position will thoroughly review pre-application materials including soil and vegetation maps and surveys, gopher tortoise population surveys, and habitat management plans. The position will also require coordination of site visits, extensive verbal and written communication with landowners and their agents, and coordination with Landowner Assistance Program staff to assess vegetative conditions and provide habitat management recommendations. The selected candidate will be expected to inform and respond to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, and rules/regulations. The position requires working closely with other biologists, who serve as a liaison between other partners and FWC on the establishment of recipient sites and who implement permitting actions using FWC permitting standards. The selected candidate will also help determine gopher tortoise occurrences via the agency’s standard survey methods, as well as verify estimated population sizes and the area extent (acres) of habitat suitability and occupation. The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. They will assist and collaborate with regional and statewide staff and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation. This position will stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in, and often lead, team meetings, seminars, outreach events, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWC. Position will require frequent overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours.

Requirements

A high school diploma and 7 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 7 years of required experience.
Valid Driver’s License
Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule.
Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, management practices and techniques.
Knowledge of Florida's upland ecosystems and management of these ecosystems, with emphasis on the needs of the gopher tortoise and its management.
Strong data management skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, ArcPro, Adobe Acrobat, and GPS Units.
Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills that include the ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts, as well as the ability to listen and effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with landowners, land managers, foresters, and other staff.
Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers; ability to present technical information to various audiences.
Ability to read and interpret aerial imagery, habitat layers, and soils maps.
Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines.
Ability to travel and spend significant time outdoors in Florida’s climate conditions.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum, graduate degree and three years of professional experience preferred.
Experience writing and reviewing technical documents.
Experience with imperiled species or their habitats.
Familiarity with land use or wildlife permits.
Experience collaborating with entities of varying interests.
Ability to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills.
Enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service.
Knowledge of Florida landcover classification systems (e.g., CLC, FLUCCS, FLCS) and ability to interpret land cover, soils, and survey maps.
Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.
Knowledge of southeastern ecosystems flora and fauna.
Knowledge of and ability to identify native and non-native plants.
Knowledge and understanding of conservation easements, permitting, and a willingness to expand personal knowledge of the topic.
Skills and experience conducting standardized surveys for gopher tortoises and other wildlife (line transect distance sampling experience preferred).
Ability to use ATVs, UTVs, 4-wheel drive trucks, trailering, and handle off-road conditions.

Responsibilities

Conduct recipient site pre-application consultations and site visits.
Provide assistance to public and private land managers and their agents before they submit an application to enroll their property as a recipient site.
Thoroughly review pre-application materials including soil and vegetation maps and surveys, gopher tortoise population surveys, and habitat management plans.
Coordinate site visits.
Engage in extensive verbal and written communication with landowners and their agents.
Coordinate with Landowner Assistance Program staff to assess vegetative conditions and provide habitat management recommendations.
Inform and respond to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, and rules/regulations.
Work closely with other biologists who serve as a liaison between other partners and FWC on the establishment of recipient sites and who implement permitting actions using FWC permitting standards.
Determine gopher tortoise occurrences via the agency’s standard survey methods.
Verify estimated population sizes and the area extent (acres) of habitat suitability and occupation.
Work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan.
Assist and collaborate with regional and statewide staff.
Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation.
Stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals.
Participate in, and often lead, team meetings, seminars, outreach events, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management.
Attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWC.