OPS Biological Scientist II - 77902369

State of Florida • Branford, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking an OPS Biological Scientist II to join the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section (WHM) of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This role will assist lead area biologists in developing and implementing management programs for several Wildlife and Environmental Areas. The position involves a variety of tasks related to habitat management, public use facilitation, data collection and analysis, and technical assistance. The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes, and this role contributes to that mission by managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and 5 years of 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 5 years of required experience.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain a Florida Class A Driver’s License.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Certification.
• Overnight travel associated with training and meeting events will be required.
• Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles, farm tractors and implements, and ATVs.
• Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and prioritize multiple work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to write, edit, and produce scientific reports and summaries.
• Ability to use hand tools, including chainsaws, power tools, auger, etc.
• Knowledge of GIS software (ArcMap, ArcPro) and handheld GPS units and their applications.
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with prescribed burning is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys, including game and nongame species, collecting and analyzing data, and summarizing results.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques, fire ecology, and plant succession.
• Applied knowledge of chemical or mechanical control of invasive vegetation.
• Familiarity with common outdoor recreation activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead area biologist in developing and implementing management programs for Branan Field, Bell Ridge Longleaf, Fort White, Lafayette Forest, and Suwannee Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Areas.
• Assist with planning and implementing effective habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, water level manipulations, and other projects.
• Assist with planning, developing, and coordinating projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates.
• Assist with developing bid specifications, overseeing contracts, and monitoring vendor compliance.
• Assist with the completion of annual work plans, budget proposals, accomplishment reports and other administrative tasks.
• Assist with public hunting and other recreational activities.
• Conduct population surveys using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing.
• Accurately and routinely submit reports of activity and accomplishments using online databases and ArcGIS.
• Survey habitat types and monitor changes that take place in vegetative communities.
• Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management.
• Propose regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles.
• Participate in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management.
• Complete other duties or assist on other areas as assigned.

Benefits

• State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace.

What This Job Offers

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