FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77073260

Description of Position

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to act as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program (NFWP). Primary responsibilities will be to manage and advance the outreach and education component of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program at the direction of the Supervisor/Section Leader.

• Develop and implement all outreach and education events and projects within the WIM Section’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program while developing ways to engage the public and reach new audiences through creative and innovative programs and materials.
• Organize, schedule, and act as project lead on special events including, but not limited to the annual Florida Python Challenge™, outreach events, and stakeholder educational workshops and trainings, such as Python Patrol.
• Prepare and update public education information including nonnative species awareness and reporting brochures, flyers, and other educational materials and displays to assist with public education about invasive wildlife in Florida.
• Maintain the nonnative species websites, address correspondence with the public including outreach at festivals and special events, through email and phone correspondence, and assist the supervisor and Communications team with media inquiries, talking points and social media posts.
• Serve as supervisor for three OPS staff including a Fish and Wildlife Biologist III that manages the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program (EPAP).
• Oversee the continued development and improvement of the EPAP by providing guidance and recommendations to staff and leadership.
• Manage contracts related to outreach and education projects.
• Respond to other wildlife conflict issues as needed.

Additional duties

• Assist in coordinating and organizing public/stakeholder workshops and Python Patrol trainings.
• Oversee the preparation and updates of public education information including nonnative species awareness and reporting brochures, flyers, and other educational materials and displays to assist with public education about nonnative wildlife in Florida.
• Assist in providing educational materials and presentations to the FWC staff including Law Enforcement, partner agencies, the public, and other wildlife professionals.
• Staff educational booths and presentations at events, festivals, and other appropriate venues and track staff and public attendance at these events.
• Conduct other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff statewide.
• Provide editorial review of documents for WIM staff, when needed.
• Oversee the maintenance and updating of the FWC’s nonnative fish and wildlife websites.
• Oversee the purchasing of educational materials when necessary, including printing, and maintain inventory of these items.
• Oversee the creation of the annual nonnative fish and wildlife program report.
• Manage educational and outreach activities and trainings on nonnative wildlife issues.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required

• Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate events.
• Computer experience (examples: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Access, MS Excel, Adobe Pro, ArcGIS).
• Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service.
• Technical writing experience.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints and deadlines.
• Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives.
• Extensive experience with public speaking, meeting coordination, and presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to properly and safely handle fish and wildlife.
• Ability to teach others how to properly and safely handle fish and wildlife.
• Experience mentoring and supervising staff.

Desired qualifications

• Familiarity with Florida’s nonnative species issues.
• Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision, when needed.
• Ability to effectively supervise off-site staff.
• Ability to travel up to 25%. Periods of the year may require more extensive travel.