FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77073260

State of Florida•Fort Myers, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to act as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program (NFWP). Primary responsibilities will be to manage and advance the outreach and education component of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program at the direction of the Supervisor/Section Leader. This position is a full-time, FTE Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV responsible for developing and implementing all outreach and education events and projects within the WIM Section’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program while developing ways to engage the public and reach new audiences through creative and innovative programs and materials. A substantial part of this position is to organize, schedule, and act as project lead on special events including, but not limited to the annual Florida Python Challenge™, outreach events, and stakeholder educational workshops and trainings, such as Python Patrol. This position also prepares and updates public education information including nonnative species awareness and reporting brochures, flyers, and other educational materials and displays to assist with public education about invasive wildlife in Florida. This position is responsible for maintaining the nonnative species websites, addressing correspondence with the public including outreach at festivals and special events, through email and phone correspondence, and assisting the supervisor and Communications team with media inquiries, talking points and social media posts. This position will also supervise staff and assist with stakeholder conflict resolution. This position will include extensive driving throughout Florida to attend or host events, festivals, meetings, workshops and to engage with partners. Must be able to work independently and have an ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.

Requirements

A high school diploma and 7 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
A valid driver’s license required.
In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position (applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered).
Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation;
Demonstrated interpersonal skills;
Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate events;
Computer experience (examples: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Access, MS Excel, Adobe Pro, ArcGIS);
Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service;
Technical writing experience;
Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints and deadlines;
Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives;
Extensive experience with public speaking, meeting coordination, and presentations;
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others;
Ability to work independently;
Ability to properly and safely handle fish and wildlife;
Ability to teach others how to properly and safely handle fish and wildlife;
Experience mentoring and supervising staff.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 7 years of required experience.
Familiarity with Florida’s nonnative species issues;
Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision, when needed;
Ability to effectively supervise off-site staff;
Ability to travel up to 25%. Periods of the year may require more extensive travel.

Responsibilities

Supervising three OPS staff including a Fish and Wildlife Biologist III that manages the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program (EPAP);
Leading all aspects of the annual Florida Python Challenge™ including, but not limited to, logistics, organization, scheduling, and implementation;
Engaging with staff, partner agencies, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, and other stakeholders on nonnative fish and wildlife control and management issues in south Florida;
Assisting in preparing and updating outreach materials while maintaining an inventory of all materials;
Assisting and often leading the development and implementation of new and innovative outreach programs, initiatives and educational materials to engage the public in invasive species control and management;
Serving on committees and teams as appropriate and attending meetings, workshops, and conferences;
Responding to tracker requests and other correspondence from the public as well as social (and other) media inquiries;
Overseeing the continued development and improvement of the EPAP by providing guidance and recommendations to staff and leadership;
Managing contracts related to outreach and education projects;
Responding to other wildlife conflict issues as needed.
Assisting in coordinating and organizing public/stakeholder workshops and Python Patrol trainings;
Overseeing the preparation and updates of public education information including nonnative species awareness and reporting brochures, flyers, and other educational materials and displays to assist with public education about nonnative wildlife in Florida;
Assisting in providing educational materials and presentations to the FWC staff including Law Enforcement, partner agencies, the public, and other wildlife professionals;
When needed, staffing educational booths and presentations at events, festivals, and other appropriate venues and tracking staff and public attendance at these events;
Conducting other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff statewide;
Providing editorial review of documents for WIM staff, when needed;
Overseeing the maintenance and updating of the FWC’s nonnative fish and wildlife websites;
Overseeing the purchasing educational materials when necessary, including printing, and maintaining inventory of these items;
Overseeing the creation of the annual nonnative fish and wildlife program report;
Managing educational and outreach activities and trainings on nonnative wildlife issues.
It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.