OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77904056

State of Florida • Fellsmere, FL

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) in Brevard County, FL. This position serves as an OPS 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 application of prescribed fire and conducting mechanical and chemical vegetation control (mowing, roller chopping, herbicide, etc.) to manage habitats. Habitat improvement is focused on waterfowl and wading birds. The successful candidate will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the T.M. Goodwin as well as the Fort Drum WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game.

Additionally, the position will assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, trails, culverts, fences, gates, signs, and buildings. The position will operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.).
The position will be expected to operate a trackhoe excavator, bulldozer, 170 hp tractor (4WD), 100 hp tractor, 15 ft. offset disc, 21-ft. roller chopper, backhoe/front-end loader, dump truck, hydraulic mower, airboat, and other miscellaneous equipment. Incumbent also must possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair small engines, implements, and heavy equipment. The incumbent will interact with various partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules and regulations. Occasionally the incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and 1year 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 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.
• Residency Requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the T.M. Goodwin WMA entrance.

Nice To Haves

• 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 practices, such as prescribed burning and herbicide use for vegetation control
• Basic use of personal computers
• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions
• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds

Responsibilities

• Application of prescribed fire
• Conducting mechanical and chemical vegetation control (mowing, roller chopping, herbicide, etc.) to manage habitats
• Assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the T.M. Goodwin as well as the Fort Drum WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game.
• Assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, trails, culverts, fences, gates, signs, and buildings.
• Operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.)
• Troubleshoot and repair small engines, implements, and heavy equipment
• Interact with various partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules and regulations.
• Attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED