OPS F & W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77902228

State of Florida•Ocala, FL

4d•$22•Onsite

About The Position

This position combines scientific expertise with community engagement to facilitate conservation-based projects and promote stewardship for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The successful applicant will serve as a Volunteer Program Biologist within the Public Access Services Office in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This position is based in the Northeast Regional Office in Ocala, FL, with opportunities to support projects and make a meaningful difference regionally, statewide and across all agency divisions. This position offers direct coordination of volunteers for conservation projects, collaborating with a diverse group of biologists, land managers, and interested groups. Supporting a variety of species and habitats in the Northeast region of Florida, the Volunteer Program Biologist plays a key role in designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring conservation efforts that engage volunteers. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, as well as providing expert support in volunteer management and best practices to FWC’s land managers and biologists. Additionally, the position involves building interagency and external partnerships to carry out volunteer-driven conservation projects on both public and private lands. This is an exceptional opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly self-motivated individual passionate about conservation. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, leadership, community development, project design, and communication skills, while demonstrating a deep commitment to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission of protecting the state’s diverse fish, wildlife, and habitat resources. A broad working knowledge of local ecology and familiarity with a variety of Florida’s non-game species across multiple taxa is preferred. This position offers valuable benefits, extensive field training, soft skills development, and a dynamic schedule that allows for diverse and engaging work experiences

Requirements

A high school diploma and 6 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 6 years of required experience.
Ability and willingness to travel overnight and during the day for projects, meetings, and workshops. Travel for day trips as well as overnight travel within a 200-mile radius and beyond the boundaries of the FWC’s Northeast Region, as well as travel throughout the state and out of the state for conferences. Approximately 25%-50% of this position’s time includes travel, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings, as necessary.
Ability to work outdoors conducting land management activities in remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances.
Ability to operate power tools safely, including chainsaws, and to train and supervise volunteers performing fieldwork to adhere to safety guidelines and precautions.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Preferred social science/business management coursework and 1-3 years of volunteer management experience.
Preferred relevant field experience in work related to wildlife ecology, conservation biology and/or natural resource management.
Demonstrated experience in a volunteer management role.
Broad-based working knowledge of a variety of non-game Florida species across multiple taxa.
Knowledge of the ecosystems of Florida (or Southeastern United States), wildlife management practices, and conservation threats.
Ability to analyze biological data and to report it in a scientific manner.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to set and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, both independently and as part of a team.
Proven capacity to self‑direct work, proactively identify needs, and independently carry tasks from start to finish.
Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective oral and written communication skills including public speaking, preparing multi-media presentations, and handling sensitive or difficult conversations.
Ability to effectively use computer programs to conduct work duties (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access).
Knowledge of database management and/or GIS software programs.
Knowledge of social media applications.

Responsibilities

Designs and/or implements survey protocols for threatened and endangered wildlife.
Monitors and evaluates long-term conservation projects that use volunteers and interns.
Implements adaptive management strategies to achieve project goals.
Encourages the use of and implements tools for data feedback from projects to partners and the public.
Designs, leads, and manages multiple concurrent conservation projects that involve volunteers.
Directs the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers and maintains accurate volunteer documentation.
Ensures volunteers are appropriately trained to meet rigorous scientific protocol standards.
Develops and maintains partnerships with internal sections and divisions, as well as external agencies and organizations to implement conservation projects that use volunteers on public and private lands.
Plans and implements volunteer recognition events.
Works closely with the FWC Volunteer Program Manager as well as the other regional Volunteer Program Biologists to develop and promote the FWC Volunteer Program.
Counsels FWC staff on volunteer, intern, and participatory science best management practices.
Participates as an active member of the FWC’s Volunteer Standing Team.
Participates as an active member of habitat and species working groups or strategic teams, as needed.
Prepares quarterly and annual reports and other reports, as needed.
Contributes content for the FWC Volunteers Facebook page and Volunteer Spotlight newsletter.
Presents at regional and statewide meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
Trains staff on and assists with volunteer data management and tracking.
Schedules regular service of assigned work vehicle and prepares monthly vehicle records.
Processes job-related purchases and travel expenses using the state purchasing card payment management service and the Statewide Travel Management System.