OPS Fish & Wildlife Bio Scientist II - 77902465

State of Florida•Sunrise, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The FWC envisions a Florida where native fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation (HSC) is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife Impact Management Section (WIM) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s HSC. The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking two energetic and motivated candidates, to help address nonnative fish and wildlife in Florida. This position is based out of the FWC Sunrise Office, with daily fieldwork located in the Florida City area. State vehicles will be used for daily travel to and from the field location. This is a seasonal position that will run from February 1 to June 30, 2026; dependent on resources, the position may be extended through October 2026. The incumbent will focus on removing Argentine black and white tegus from public lands southwest of Florida City and will be responsible for professional representation of the agency and maintaining good working relationships with the public and partners. This region is particularly important for tegu control due to its proximity to nesting sites of imperiled species, such as American crocodiles, least terns, white-crowned pigeons, gopher tortoises, and burrowing owls, and its proximity to Everglades National Park and other sensitive public lands. 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. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Requirements

A high school diploma and 5 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 5 years of required experience.
A valid driver’s license is 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.
Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation
Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers
Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service
Familiarity with nonnative species issues
Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints
Ability to drive a 4WD truck off-road
Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives

Nice To Haves

Experience handling wildlife
Ability to handle and work with large, nonnative reptile species
Experience with wildlife trapping techniques
Experience with public speaking
Ability to identify native and nonnative wildlife in Florida
Ability to humanely kill nonnative wildlife using approved methods
Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision when needed
Computer experience (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and Outlook)
Ability to travel less than 25%

Responsibilities

Opening and closing live traps in rural locations on a daily basis, maintaining bait in traps, releasing by-catch from trapping efforts unharmed, safely and humanely removing nonnative wildlife from traps, live trap repair and construction
Humanely killing nonnative wildlife using approved methods
Collecting, entering, and organizing data on all field activities
Quality assurance and quality control of data
Maintaining and entering vehicles logs, using a state purchasing card, and submitting purchase receipts
Assisting with Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts for nonnative fish and wildlife
Conducting other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff in the region
Responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by the supervisor, Program Coordinator, or Section Leader

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume