FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000662

Date: Sep 5, 2024

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Requisition No: 835622

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000662

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000662

Salary: $1,923.08 biweekly + benefits

Posting Closing Date: 09/23/2024

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.

Position Number : 77000662

Location: Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL

Salary : $1,923.08 bi-weekly plus benefits

Supervisor: Michelina Dziadzio

Broadband Code: 19-1023-04

Class Code: 5075

Region: Northwest

Class Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

County: Leon

Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Work outside of regular 8-hour schedule may occasionally be required.

List of Subordinates Supervised: 3 OPS Biological Scientist IIIs (Gopher Tortoise Compliance Biologists)

Residency Requirement: Florida

Level of Education:   Prefer a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences with two years of supervisory and professional experience in conservation programs strongly preferred. Years of experience can substitute for a degree.

A resume or cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experiencemustbe attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education and numerous agency trainings for professional development. 

Description of Duties .  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking a fish and wildlife professional for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This position requires a passion for conservation, dedication to working with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to work creatively to address conservation challenges.

This position serves as the Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of FWC. This is a professional position that requires detailed understanding of gopher tortoise natural history and conservation practices, strong organizational and time management skills, public speaking and meeting management experience, research and analytical skills, the ability to manage various projects and contracts, and administrative/supervisory experience.

The Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator works as part of a team that is responsible for coordination and implementation of conservation actions within the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. This position communicates the conservation goals, objectives, actions, policies, and permitting procedures included in the FWC Gopher Tortoise Management Plan to interest groups, permit applicants, permittees, stakeholders, and the public. They respond to Subject Matter Expert (SME) requests for comments on habitat management plan amendments, media requests, and other agency communications. The incumbent will also have a lead role in the revision of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, as applicable.

This position supervises a team of gopher tortoise compliance biologists responsible for providing technical assistance to landowners interested in establishing gopher tortoise recipient sites through the pre-application consultation process. This position and their staff are also responsible for monitoring recipient sites and conservation easements to ensure compliance with permit and easement requirements. The incumbent will also lead or participate on the Gopher Tortoise Policy Team, lead the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan Implementation Team, and plans bi-annual meetings of the Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group (GTTAG).

This position coordinates an annual call for gopher tortoise research and outreach proposals, leads a group to select projects for funding, and manages contracts with awarded parties. When appropriate, this position also assists in developing or amending Memorandums of Agreement between FWC and large public landowners.

The Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator assists in developing and distributing educational materials for local governments, landowners, and other targeted interest groups; participates in outreach events and presentations, as needed; develops eLearning modules for gopher tortoise permittees, and; reviews Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent training curriculums. This position may also perform related work as directed by their supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate for this position will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation. They will possess exceptional leadership, supervisory, partnership relations, administration, and project and time management skills. In addition, the candidate will have:

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, permitting requirements, and management practices and techniques.

• Knowledge of Florida upland ecosystems and suitable gopher tortoise habitat.

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.

• Knowledge of Florida landcover classification systems (e.g., FLUCCS, FLCS) and ability to interpret land cover, soils, and survey maps.

• Skills in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and scientific writing.

• Skills in visioning, long-range planning, and developing innovative solutions.

• Skill in developing contracts and contract management.

• Ability to communicate effectively and interpret scientific information to stakeholders.

• Ability to manage high-stress situations, analyze complex issues, and supervise staff.

• Ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts.

• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and stakeholder meetings.

• Ability to form partnerships, travel, and train staff.

• Skill in using Microsoft Office and ESRI/ArcGIS applications, preferred.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clickinghere (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/97612/566545) . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Location:

TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311

Nearest Major Market:Tallahassee