OPS-F&W Biological Scientist III - 77905065

State of Florida

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This primarily office-based position serves as a member of the FWC Sea Turtle Lighting team, providing expertise and guidance to reduce adverse impacts to marine turtles and their nesting habitat within the Imperiled Species Management Section’s Marine Turtle Management and Environmental Commenting Programs. Team members are expected to develop and maintain expertise in the impacts of artificial light on coastal wildlife and in lighting technologies available to reduce impacts.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and six years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to participate in limited statewide travel are required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with sea turtle lighting and/or sea turtle management and/or State of Florida permitting or regulatory programs are highly desired.
• A Bachelor of Science degree in a life or physical science and experience with ArcGIS/Pro, MS Office, and MS SharePoint is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review, evaluate, and approve lighting plans for coastal construction for state authorizations; participate in pre-construction meetings, pre- and post-construction inspections and meetings with agency and property/project representatives;
• Develop and improve the agency's light management recommendations; create and present educational and training workshops for internal and external audiences;
• Research and evaluate existing and emerging lighting technologies to maintain expertise in wildlife lighting issues;
• Provide technical assistance to other FWC Sections, as well as to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Port Authorities, and county/city governments;
• Participate in all aspects of the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program, including wildlife lighting certification program fixture testing, coordination with lighting manufacturers, and maintenance of certification webpages and databases;
• Initiate, manage or attend meetings, workshops, and create/deliver presentations;
• Assist with management of the Agency's Project Tracking System;
• Draft biological opinions for permits and other regulatory or planning authorizations such as Environmental Resource Permitting ERP), Coastal Construction Control Line permits (CCCL), Sovereign Submerged Lands Leases (SSL), Joint Coastal Permits (JCP), various management plans, comprehensive plan amendments and State Clearinghouse under Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP);
• Assist with Section information and outreach projects;
• Assist with field activities (e.g., marine turtle stranding, ground truthing, hatch success evaluations, nourishment research).
• Perform other duties as directed

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED