FISH/WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN - 77072878

State of Florida

10d • 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 Wildlife and Habitat Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

The FWC’s Northwest Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team consisting of one biologist and one other technician on Box-R Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Gulf County, FL. This position serves as a Fish and Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team of land managers to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The successful candidate will be a key team member responsible for all aspects of management of the WMA including applications of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats. Habitat improvement is focused on imperiled and locally important species including, but not limited to, northern bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. This position assists with planting of wildlife food plots and dove fields to benefit wildlife and ensure a high-quality recreational experience for area users. The successful candidate will also assist with the operation of the hunter check station on Box-R WMA to collect biological data from hunter harvested game including chronic wasting disease (CWD) specimens, as well as the implementation of various wildlife surveys.

Additionally, this position will assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs, and buildings. The position will operate, maintain, and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment, and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.). The incumbent will assist other wildlife management areas as directed and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management. Occasionally, the successful candidate will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.
 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 clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Requirements

• A high school diploma/GED and 1 year of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required.
• Vocational training or an associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license.
• Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.
• Must obtain a State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License within 270 days of appointment and maintain license thereafter.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk or stand for extended time periods, must be able to work at night (occasionally) or in inclement weather.
• Occasional overnight travel is required.
• Must reside within a 25-mile radius of Box-R Wildlife Management Area.
• Knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire
• Knowledge and experience with chemical and mechanical control of invasive exotic vegetation
• Knowledge and experience in electrical, plumbing, welding, painting and carpentry
• Ability to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy equipment, tractors, farm implements, ATVs, and outboard motors
• Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task
• Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers
• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities
• Basic use of personal computers
• Ability to frequently push, pull, and/or carry more than 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

• Possesses and maintains a Class A CDL License
• Has successfully completed Florida certified prescribed burn manager training or basic fire management training
• Has at least 2 years of direct, applied experience in management of Florida natural communities

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of management of the WMA including applications of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats.
• Assist with planting of wildlife food plots and dove fields to benefit wildlife and ensure a high-quality recreational experience for area users.
• Assist with the operation of the hunter check station on Box-R WMA to collect biological data from hunter harvested game including chronic wasting disease (CWD) specimens, as well as the implementation of various wildlife surveys.
• Assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs, and buildings.
• Operate, maintain, and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment, and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.).
• Assist other wildlife management areas as directed and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management.
• Attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

What This Job Offers

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