Job Information
MyFlorida OPS Biological Scientist III - 77901346 in LAKELAND, Florida
OPS Biological Scientist III - 77901346
Date: May 6, 2024
Location:
LAKELAND, FL, US, 33811 LAKELAND, FL, US, 33813 LAKELAND, FL, US, 33815
The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_job_applicants/e_verify) .
Requisition No: 828296
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist III - 77901346
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77901346
Salary: $23.44 an hour
Posting Closing Date: 05/19/2024
Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)
FWC Mission Statement: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check
Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III
Working Title Wildlife Assistance Biologist
Salary: $23.44/hour, 40 Hours per week, not to exceed 1920 hours per Fiscal Year. After 6 months of successful employment this position may have the potential to telework
Position number: 77901346
Class Code: 5074
Broadband Level: LEVEL 3 - LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE 19-1023-03
Level of Education: Prefer a Bachelor’s degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline.
Region: Southwest
County: Polk
Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, some nights and weekend work may be required. Overnight travel may be required.
List of any subordinates supervised: None
Residency requirement: None
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division: Habitat and Species Conservation
Section: Wildlife Impact Management
Sub-section: Wildlife Assistance Program
Address: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Southwest Regional Office, 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811
Supervisor: Rhonda Latour, Senior Wildlife Assistance Biologist
Education: A Bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline preferred.
Preference will be given to applicants with at least two (2) years of wildlife-related professional experience, including experience with wildlife-related education and outreach.
In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resumeanda cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.
Cover letters and resumes shall be uploaded to the People First System.
Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete andwill not be considered.
Description of Position:
The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position is located in The Wildlife Impact Management Section. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Assistance Biologist. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for human-wildlife conflict issues and provides information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife. Assistance provided to the public or agency staff may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Some fieldwork may occur but is not a regular component of this posi tion. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Assistance Program at outreach ents by conducting presentations to citizen groups. The candidate may also conduct site visits and provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment, as necessary. The Wildlife Assistance Biologist works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to:
Coordinate management of human-wildlife conflict situations including those involving bears, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife species.
Network to establish clear communication across the agency about emerging wildlife issues.
Assist with the implementation of response protocols for human-wildlife conflict situations in coordination with other FWC programs including the Division of Law Enforcement.
Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Provide technical assistance to the public and other agencies on means to address human-wildlife conflicts and to promote strategies to coexist with wildlife.
Maintain familiarity with prevalent conflict wildlife issues and continually identify and share best technical assistance practices and protocols as required.
Provide coverage for other regional Wildlife Assistance Biologists as needed.
Maintain an accurate and thorough daily log of public correspondence via the Wildlife Impact Management System database.
Participate in public outreach efforts as directed to increase appreciation for wildlife and address conflict wildlife abatement or other wildlife-related issues.
Assist the regional FWC Public Information Director with media and stakeholder information requests.
Respond to requests via the AskFWC program, to answer questions about wildlife or wildlife conflict resolution.
Occasionally support the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s management efforts through response activities.
Remain up to date on Commission rules and regulations regarding protected wildlife, the take of wildlife, conflict wildlife abatement, and related issues.
The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC message.
Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC’s invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.
Work at FWC is cross-functional, meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position:
Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.
Exemplary customer service skills and an ability to interface effectively with the public over the phone on a daily basis regarding sensitive topics.
Ability to develop and effectively present educational outreach material to adult audiences
Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, data management, and mapping.
Knowledge of and experience with wildlife damage control techniques.
Ability to identify native and non-native wildlife.
Knowledge of wildlife issues in Florida.
Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines with minimal, remote supervision.
Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, stakeholder representatives and coworkers.
Ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Ability to travel overnight less than 25% of the time.
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Florida driver’s license.
WHAT BENEFITSAREAPPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
Deferred Compensation - voluntary
Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
WHAT BENEFITS ARENOTAPPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
Any form of paid leave
Paid holidays
Participation in the Florida Retirement System
Reinstatement rights or retention rights
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.
Nearest Major Market:Lakeland