OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci III - 77905017

State of Florida•Kissimmee, FL

6d•$22•Onsite

About The Position

The FWC envisions a Florida where 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 is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section is seeking an aquatic habitat restoration biologist to develop and manage projects on lakes, rivers, and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife resources. The position will work within the Northeast Florida AHRE multidisciplinary team, and independently. This position is responsible for development of budget proposals, project specifications, contract management, and reporting. The position identifies aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities, secures internal or external project funding, hires and oversees contractors to complete habitat projects, and conducts assessment of project effectiveness. In addition, the position will interact professionally with the public and partners providing technical expertise on aquatic habitat management. Overnight travel is required to complete fieldwork and attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

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.
In addition to submitting a completed State of Florida electronic application and completing the qualifying questions, applicants must attach a cover letter and up to date resume to be considered.
Submitted cover letter should at a minimum explain your interest in working with the Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Subsection and identify your most relevant skills and experience.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.
Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check.
The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills, be able to work well with team members and interact positively with stakeholders and cooperators.
Knowledgeable in principles of aquatic ecology and fish/wildlife habitat management
Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic habitat management and restoration, including revegetation, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and organic sediment removal
Knowledge of GIS and GPS and its application to habitat management and surveys
Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task
Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, with limited supervision
Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions
Ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water
Ability to conduct in-water tasks comfortably
Ability to work outside of normal business hours.
Strong knowledge of freshwater ecology, habitat assessment, and management techniques
Familiarity with state and federal wetland permitting
Experience with project management, contract management, developing scopes of work, and oversight of contracted vendors
Proficient in GIS and GPS applications
Ability to operate boats, airboats, 4WD vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and tow trailers
Experience using drones for vegetation or wildlife management
Experience or certified in the application of prescribed fire

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, coordinate, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration projects that maximize benefits to fish and wildlife resources
Work independently and with partners with the primary focus on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. This work will include managing contractors on projects including mechanical removal of nuisance vegetation and organic sediments, herbicide treatment of aquatic plants, planting of beneficial wetland vegetation species and utilization of other wetland restoration techniques.
Procure necessary state and federal permits required for project implementation.
Develop project bid documents and contracts.
Provide contract management of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.
Provide contractor oversight of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.
Work across FWC divisions and cooperate with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration program.
Participate in and provide input to internal (FWC sponsored) and external (non-FWC sponsored) aquatic resource management groups.
Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling.
Evaluate and predict environmental response to project activities in coordination with other FWC divisions, office, and section personnel.
Create and maintain databases of collected scientific data and maps of project areas using appropriate computer software.
Prepare, publish, and present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (quarterly/annual/completion reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets.
Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.
Be proficient in the operation of 4X4 vehicles and maintenance of project vehicles.
Be proficient in the operation and maintenance of boats, trailers, and airboats.
Be proficient in the operation and maintenance of UTVs and ATVs.
Be proficient in the use and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.
Assist other AHRE, AHCR and Commission projects as necessary.
Work independently with limited supervision.
Responsible for timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors.
Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements of Section 215.422, F.S., related to State Comptroller’s rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Benefits

State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan – mandatory
Workers Compensation – mandatory
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) – mandatory
Potential to participate in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
Deferred Compensation – voluntary
Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

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