OPS Fish & Wildlife Bio Sci I - 77902194

State of Florida•NAPLES, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a seasonal, time-limited position commencing in early October 2026 and not to exceed mid-January, 2027. This is a full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) opportunity to work with the FWC Bear Management Program as a Seasonal Bear Technician to provide human-bear conflict resolution and hunt data collection in southwest Florida. The position will work as part of a team with staff from other Sections and Divisions to respond to public requests for assistance with human-bear conflicts, which will include site visits to provide technical assistance and assess causes of conflicts, trapping, collecting data on the bear hunt as a member of the Bear Harvest Response Team, and retrieving biological information from and disposing of carcasses of dead bears. The position will assist the Regional Bear Coordinator and multiple Bear Response Contractors manage a bear deterrent loaner equipment program for the public, manage bear traps and other equipment for agency use, and enter field data on bears collected in their area of responsibility into an agency-wide online wildlife database. Field housing and utilities for the duration of the position will be provided but food expenses will not be covered. Technicians will be driving agency vehicles during work hours but will need their own transportation for personal time. Additionally, the position will assist in the implementation of many strategies outlined in the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan for their area of responsibility. Seasonal Bear Technicians are expected to wear agency-issued uniforms and adhere to agency policies, guidelines and safety protocols.

Requirements

A high school diploma and 1 year professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, mechanical winch, bear trap, as well as safely pull trailers.
Ability to accurately collect and enter field data in an accurate and timely manner.
Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity carrying heavy loads and exposed to biting insects and venomous snakes.
Ability to work in a highly adaptive environment.
Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, and data management.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours.

Nice To Haves

Previous wildlife management experience.
Previous human-wildlife conflict experience.
Previous experience communicating with the general public.
Ability to work well as part of a team to accomplish tasks.
Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor.
Ability to communicate and manage high stress situations in a calm, organized, and professional manner.
Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally to people with various educational backgrounds.
Ability to represent agency viewpoint without personal conflicts.
Ability to work well with a variety of personalities and with persons of varied levels of wildlife conservation understanding.

Responsibilities

Respond to public requests for assistance with human-bear conflicts.
Conduct site visits to provide technical assistance and assess causes of conflicts.
Participate in trapping activities.
Collect data on the bear hunt as a member of the Bear Harvest Response Team.
Retrieve biological information from and dispose of carcasses of dead bears.
Assist the Regional Bear Coordinator and multiple Bear Response Contractors manage a bear deterrent loaner equipment program for the public.
Manage bear traps and other equipment for agency use.
Enter field data on bears collected into an agency-wide online wildlife database.
Assist in the implementation of strategies outlined in the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan.
Wear agency-issued uniforms and adhere to agency policies, guidelines and safety protocols.