Requisition No: 854339

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F & W BS II - 77902335

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902335

Salary: $20.83 an hour 1920 hours a fiscal year

Posting Closing Date: 06/29/2025

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FWC Mission Statement: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Position Number: 77902335

Position Title: OPSFisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II (Gopher Tortoise Assistant Biologist)

Hourly Rate: $20.83 per hour, 1920 hours per year

Supervisor: SW Regional Gopher Tortoise Biologist

Contact: For questions regarding this position, please contact Becky Schneider at Rebecca.Schneider@MyFWC.com or 863-648-3817

Broadband: 19-1023-02

Location: Fort Myers preferred; other FWC Office locations in peninsular Florida considered

Region: Southwest Florida

County: Lee

Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, a flexible work schedule may be authorized or necessary for fieldwork and travel

List of Subordinates Supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Additional requirements: Valid Driver’s License

Note: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Applicants should submit a professional resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Agency information

Our organization: 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,

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This position will serve as a member of the Regional Operations program and part of FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Conservation Program.

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 5 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 four of the 5 years of required experience.

Preferred qualifications: Prefer a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences such as wildlife conservation, natural resources management, environmental science, or a related subject.

Description of duties: The Gopher Tortoise Assistant Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. This is a critical role in the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section to educate the public and conserve Florida’s only native tortoise species.

The individual in this position will affect gopher tortoise conservation by raising awareness of protections and conservation efforts in Southwest Florida. The primary function of this role is to provide internal and external customer service and subject matter expertise in a timely and professional manner. The incumbent will communicate information on gopher tortoise laws and regulations, conservation actions, minimizing impacts, and permits. The incumbent may communicate with the public via phone, email, and occasionally in-person. They will work closely with the Regional Gopher Tortoise Biologist to ensure that regional conservation priorities are achieved. The incumbent will have the ability to engage in field work conducting site visits to areas under consideration for permitting to verify gopher tortoise surveys/population estimates, and to ensure compliance with state rules and guidelines.

Additional duties include: providing technical assistance to the public when needed for permit applications, responding to public requests for information regarding gopher tortoises, reviewing and issuing permits to address safety issues concerning burrows or existing structures, processing and issuing Gopher Tortoise 10 or Fewer Permits, and reporting potential violations to FWC law enforcement. The incumbent will work collaboratively with a team of biologists, officers, and office personnel to support the agency’s conservation mission. They will participate in local outreach programs, educate adults and children about gopher tortoises and wildlife conservation, and help manage the distribution of educational materials in the region. They will stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in team meetings, seminars, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; make recommendations for how to improve public engagement; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWC. Position may require occasional overnight travel.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position:

Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing skills
Demonstrated organizational skills
Biological knowledge
Data management skills, including experience with Excel
Ability to interpret and convey complex information to a broad audience
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to interact with displeased or contentious members of the public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner
Ability to manage time effectively and respond to inquiries efficiently
Ability to problem-solve and assist the public while communicating over the phone
Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers

Preferred qualifications include:

Experience working in wildlife conservation
Ability to identify native and nonnative Florida wildlife
Knowledge of gopher tortoise biology and native habitats
Knowledge of the Florida listed species process, permitting, and wildlife conservation
Experience in communicating complex information to the public and responding to public inquiries
Experience with Salesforce and SharePoint
Field work experience

OPS Employment Description: The position is OPS (Other Personnel Services), which means that employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees have the potential to receive health insurance benefits. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in FRS Florida Retirement System.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.

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OPS F & W BS II - 77902335