OPS FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST IV - 77902403

Position Description

This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across the State of Florida. The incumbent will be part of a team that participates in long-term planning processes of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects around the State of Florida. By evaluating projects early in the planning phase, this role plays a critical part in ensuring transportation planning supports healthy wildlife populations and preserves essential habitat connections across Florida. The position is grant-funded pursuant to a long-term interagency agreement between FWC and FDOT. This position serves as a biologist in the Land Use Planning (LUP) Program in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Office of Conservation Planning Services (CPS).

Duties

• Environmental review of transportation projects and technical assistance ahead of regulatory processes.
• Review of protected wildlife species conservation permit applications in accordance with FWC rules and regulations and administrative timelines, including reviewing applications for completion and sufficiency, drafting Requests for Additional Information, drafting permits, and other related functions.
• Acting as a liaison, providing prompt and responsive communication, and developing standard operating procedures for working with FDOT and other agencies.
• Developing and maintaining effective communications between FWC divisions, sections, and work units.
• Coinciding conservation actions for the implementation of the FWC Imperiled Species Management Plan in transportation planning and roadway construction.
• Developing, coordinating, and/or implementing management actions, outreach and communication products, study designs, and monitoring programs.
• Handling issues that may be high profile or controversial with assistance from colleagues and supervisors.
• Representing FWC at meetings and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma and 7 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
• A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for 4 of the 7 years of required experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences, or other closely related curriculum.
• A graduate degree and two years of professional experience is preferred.
• Specialized experience and education in wildlife biology, land management, upland and wetland ecology, environmental impact review and assessment, transportation, or other related areas is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and managing conflict with excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in technical report writing.
• An understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs.
• Experience with imperiled species or their habitats.
• Knowledge of natural resources conservation practices.
• Working knowledge of transportation project planning, principles of wildlife crossing design, and related environmental reviews.
• Working knowledge of federal and state-wide natural resources regulations and environmental permitting processes.
• Experience in using GIS software.

Benefits Available to OPS Employees

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Potential for participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary