OPS- Biological Scientist IV - 77909072 Date: Jan 28, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) . Requisition No: 839916 Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS- Biological Scientist IV - 77909072 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 77909072 Salary: $26.04 an hour Posting Closing Date: 02/09/2025 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) Job Advertisements https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/logon.htm FWC Mission Statement: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Position Number : 77909072 Location: Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL 32311 OPS Hourly Pay Rate : $26.04 an hour OPS Hours Worked per Year : 1920 Supervisor: Michelina Dziadzio Broadband Code: 19-1023-04 Region: Northwest Class Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV County: Leon Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm; a flexible work schedule may be considered Work outside of regular 8-hour schedule may occasionally be required. List of Subordinates Supervised: None; opportunities may arise to supervise interns Residency Requirement: Florida Level of Education:   Prefer a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences with one year of professional experience in conservation programs strongly preferred. Years of experience can substitute for a degree. A resumeandcover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experiencemustbe attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. Description of duties. The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking a fish and wildlife professional for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This position serves as the Local Government Coordinator for FWC’s Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section. The individual in this position works as part of a team responsible for planning, monitoring, and implementation of the State Wildlife Action Plan, Imperiled Species Management Plan, and Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. Primary duties of this position include local government coordination, identifying placement opportunities for waif and non-releasable gopher tortoises, and assisting with coordination of local education and outreach events. This position will collaborate with local governments, state and federal partners, and stakeholders to provide information on species management plan conservation goals, objectives, actions, policies, permitting procedures, and assistance programs available to public and private landowners. This position organizes and conducts workshops with local governments to enhance species and habitat conservation at the local level. The incumbent will also provide technical assistance to local governments during growth management plan development, associated development proposals, the adoption of policies and ordinances, and with the creation of habitat management plans for public lands under their jurisdiction. This position identifies and provides incentives to local governments to set aside conservation lands as potential restocking or otherwise responsible relocation sites for gopher tortoises and other state-imperiled species. They also coordinate and form partnerships with local governments and state agencies to promote and implement the acquisition, connectivity, and management of priority habitats. The Local Government Coordinator leads a habitat management and restoration incentive program, serving as the Contract Manager for funded projects. They will coordinate internally and with partners on the treatment and release of state-listed species including waif and non-releasable gopher tortoises and promote creation of waif gopher tortoise recipient sites. When appropriate, they may also assist in developing or amending Memorandums of Agreement between the FWC and local governments or other state agencies. This position may also supervise or lead intern projects as part of WDC’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Internship Program. This position facilitates internal and/or public meetings, conducts site visits to prospective waif recipient sites, assists in developing and distributing educational materials, coordinates and participates in a variety of local educational and outreach events, and assists with writing and publishing reports. This position may perform other work as directed by supervisor. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The ideal candidate for this position will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation. They will possess exceptional leadership, partnership relations, administration, and project and time management skills. In addition, the candidate will have: + Strong skills in planning, organization, and coordinating work assignments, outreach events, and stakeholder meetings + Knowledge of local government structure, procedures and programs in Florida + Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships and form partnerships with internal staff, local government staff, partners, and stakeholders + Skills in public speaking and meeting facilitation, including giving presentations to large audiences + Skill in both technical writing and non-technical communications + Knowledge of habitat management techniques and incentive programs + Ability to interpret and disseminate scientific information to local governments and the public + Ability to supervise and mentor student interns and other volunteers, as applicable + Knowledge of general wildlife conservation principles and initiatives + Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and habitats WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? OPS (Other Personnel Services) positions are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? + State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory + Workers’ Compensation - mandatory + Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory + Participation in state group insurance(must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the Human Resource Office for details.) + Deferred Compensation - voluntary + Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? + Paid leave + Paid holidays + Participation in the Florida Retirement System + Reinstatement rights or retention rights 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. Location: TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311 Nearest Major Market:Tallahassee