OPS- F & W Bio Sci III - 77909034

State of Florida • Saint Augustine Beach, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Predation Management Biologist works within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work, but do not receive paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff are eligible for health insurance benefits and participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license.
• Occasional overnight field work and travel is required for this position.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in handheld GPS navigation, and the use of live traps and assigned firearms upon completion of required trainings and field experiences.
• This position will require frequent and close contact with mammals that are known to be sources of rabies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mammalian and/or avian predation management.
• Experience with various techniques used to trap mammalian and avian species.
• Hunting experience (recreational or professional).
• Experience with shorebird ID and nest searching/monitoring.
• Experience communicating with stakeholders and ability to coordinate resources between agencies and among sites.
• Strong customer service skills are an asset.
• Experience recording data and writing reports.
• Experience with a handheld GPS unit. and mapping software such as GIS or Google Earth.
• Experience trailering, loading, and operating boats and UTVs, and experience kayaking in open water conditions.
• Flexible work schedule that may include long days of fieldwork and working up to 10 consecutive days in the field.
• Ability to work effectively with little direct supervision, in remote locations, and under hot and humid weather conditions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Excellent critical thinking skills for addressing complex challenges in the field.
• Current pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis series preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with shorebird biologists to identify sources of shorebird and seabird nest loss; use tracking techniques to identify individual predator(s) associated with nest failure.
• Employ proactive management strategies to reduce predator disturbance at priority shorebird sites.
• Conduct tracking surveys for common nest and chick predators using sand transects, scent stations, bait stations, and game cameras.
• Use tracking surveys to identify and evaluate the presence and spatial use patterns of potential predators in the beach/dune habitat and surrounding natural areas.
• Conduct lethal removal of avian and mammalian predators.
• Use a variety of non-lethal predator aversion techniques and investigate opportunities to develop and test novel techniques as time allows.
• Record GPS points and create maps of all work areas using ArcGIS or Google Earth.
• Coordinate with land managers, law enforcement, and other partners about predation management activities.
• Prepare summary reports of management strategies and outcomes and assist team with quarterly report writing and assessments.
• Communicate with private landowners, local land managers, partnering agencies and the public about predation management in beach dune habitat.
• Attend public meetings and educational events and participate in shorebird working groups as a spokesperson for predation management.

Benefits

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Participation in state group health insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the Human Resource Office for details.)
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
• Health insurance benefits
• Participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program.

What This Job Offers

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