OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902404

State of Florida•Four Corners, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Access Technician works in the Public Access Services Office within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The role supports the Construction and Maintenance team and FWC area staff in maintaining and improving outdoor recreation opportunities on FWC-managed areas. The position is based at the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area Field Office in Clermont, Florida, and is assigned to work at multiple FWC-managed areas in the Southwest Region. This is a full-time OPS position paying $16.83 per hour and includes health benefits. The technician maintains, repairs, monitors, and helps implement public access infrastructure and opportunities. Work includes maintaining signs, trails, kiosks, boardwalks, picnic areas, observation platforms, and other structures; constructing amenities; maintaining equipment; and conducting general handyman work. The position also involves engaging with recreation users and participating in outreach and volunteer events. Training and participation in prescribed fire activities may be available, but prior prescribed-fire experience is not required. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history/background check. The employee must hold and maintain a valid Florida Class E driver’s license, be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools, lift up to 50 pounds, work in remote areas and inclement weather, and travel overnight occasionally. A high school diploma and one year of relevant post-high-school experience are required; relevant vocational training or an associate’s degree may substitute year for year. Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest and relevant skills or experience.

Requirements

High school diploma and one year of post-high-school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological, related agriculture, or construction work; relevant vocational training or an associate’s degree may substitute year for year.
Successful completion of a criminal history/background check.
Valid and maintained minimum Class E Florida driver’s license.
Ability to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in remote areas and inclement weather.
Ability to travel overnight occasionally.
Cooperation, communication, and teamwork skills.
Self-direction, self-motivation, sound decision-making, and ability to maintain positive, respectful working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partners.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform skilled-trade functions and physical labor using hand, power, and gasoline tools.
Ability to operate ATVs, 4x4 vehicles, paddlecraft, and small powerboats.
Ability to read and interpret maps and charts accurately.
Ability to use a compass and GPS accurately.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from varying backgrounds.
Prescribed-fire experience is not required; training and participation opportunities may be available.

Responsibilities

Assess, clean, maintain, and repair public access infrastructure, including signs, trails, kiosks, boardwalks, picnic areas, wildlife observation platforms, and other structures.
Clear, mark, and maintain recreational trails and trailheads.
Propose new public access opportunities for potential implementation.
Monitor trails and facilities on FWC-managed areas to ensure they meet agency and state requirements.
Maintain equipment in safe, usable condition.
Construct amenities such as camping platforms and benches.
Develop relationships with local recreationists, including hikers, bikers, horseback riders, paddlers, anglers, and hunters.
Participate in outreach, including interacting with area users and attending volunteer work events.
Assist FWC-managed area staff with various projects.
Perform general handyman work.
Assist the Construction and Maintenance team and FWC area staff in maintaining and improving outdoor recreation on managed areas.