OPS FISH & WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN - 77902347

State of Florida•Apalachicola, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The FWC’s Northwest Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team consisting of one biologist and one other technician on Box-R Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Franklin County, FL. This position serves as a Fish and Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team of land managers to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The successful candidate will be a key team member responsible for all aspects of management of the WMA including applications of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats. Habitat improvement is focused on imperiled and locally important species including, but not limited to northern bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. This position assists with planting of wildlife food plots and dove fields to benefit wildlife and ensure a high-quality recreational experience for area users. The successful candidate will also assist with collecting biological data from hunter harvested game and roadkill including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens, as well as the implementation of various wildlife surveys. Additionally, this position will assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs and buildings. The position will operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.). The incumbent will assist other wildlife management areas as directed and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management. Occasionally, the successful candidate will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

Requirements

A high school diploma/GED and 1 year of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required.
Vocational training or an associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license.
Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk or stand for extended time periods.
Must be able to work at night (occasionally) or in inclement weather.
Occasional overnight travel is required.
Knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire
Knowledge and experience with chemical and mechanical control of invasive exotic vegetation
Knowledge and experience in electrical, plumbing, welding, painting and carpentry
Ability to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy equipment, tractors, farm implements, ATVs, and outboard motors
Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task.
Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers.
Familiar with outdoor recreational activities
Basic use of personal computers
Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

Possesses and maintains a Class A CDL License
Has successfully completed Florida certified prescribed burn manager training or basic fire management training
Has at least 2 years of direct, applied experience in management of Florida natural communities

Responsibilities

Restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors.
Manage the WMA including applications of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats.
Assist with planting of wildlife food plots and dove fields to benefit wildlife and ensure a high-quality recreational experience for area users.
Assist with collecting biological data from hunter harvested game and roadkill including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens.
Assist with the implementation of various wildlife surveys.
Assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs and buildings.
Operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.).
Assist other wildlife management areas as directed.
Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management.
Attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.