FISH/WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN - 77000227

State of Florida • Punta Gorda, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

An exciting opportunity exists for a Fish and Wildlife Technician to join a team of employees within FWC’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing a lead Wildlife Management Area (WMA). FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities. Responsibilities include the restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat on the Fred C. Babcock – Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area by applying prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and non-native invasive plant control throughout the area. The employee will also be a key member of the WMA prescribed burn team. Additional duties include operating, maintaining and repairing area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs and heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Incumbent also must possess the ability to troubleshoot the repairs of pumps, motors and heavy equipment.
This position also assists biologists with surveying and monitoring of threatened and locally important species, resource inventories, and public hunt management. Assists in the planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public use including parking and road construction, culvert installation, trash pickup, building maintenance and fence, gate and sign construction and maintenance. Interacts professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Attends regional and divisional meetings and training programs.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.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent 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 obtain a State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License within 270 days of appointment and maintain license thereafter.
• Incumbent be able to work well with team members and members of the public.
• Ability to operate, maintain and repair heavy equipment and associated implements
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to plan and organize work assignments
• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities
• Skilled in construction activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding
• Knowledge of wildlife and land management principles and practices
• Basic use of personal computers
• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions
• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 40 pounds
• Ability to work productively alone with remote supervision or as member of a team, and the flexibility to occasionally work long hours and variable schedules, such as nights, weekends, or holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Strong familiarity with vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Familiarity with both native and invasive vegetation in Central Florida.
• Experience with prescribed burning.

Responsibilities

• Restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat on the Fred C. Babcock – Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area by applying prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and non-native invasive plant control throughout the area.
• Key member of the WMA prescribed burn team.
• Operating, maintaining and repairing area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs and heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations.
• Troubleshoot the repairs of pumps, motors and heavy equipment.
• Assists biologists with surveying and monitoring of threatened and locally important species, resource inventories, and public hunt management.
• Assists in the planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public use including parking and road construction, culvert installation, trash pickup, building maintenance and fence, gate and sign construction and maintenance.
• Interacts professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations.
• Attends regional and divisional meetings and training programs.

What This Job Offers

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