Fish and Wildlife Technician

Description of duties: The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife Habitat Management Section. The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the newly acquired Caracara Unit of the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This position serves as a full-time, field-oriented Fish & Wildlife Technician on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. This position will work as part of a team to accomplish projects across the original Dinner Island Ranch property (21,714 acres) and the newly acquired Caracara Unit (17,251 acres). The position will assist biologists with various land management activities including prescribed burning, installing firebreaks, planting dove fields, mowing, and chemical and mechanical control of invasive and nonnative plants. This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of various equipment including trucks, UTVs/ATVs, swamp buggies, tractors and their implements, front end loaders, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. The incumbent must be able to troubleshoot equipment failure issues, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic preventative maintenance, and fabricate and repair equipment including minor motor repairs and small engine repairs utilizing MIG welders, cutting torches, and other various hand/air tools.

Additionally, the position will be responsible for infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair, including barbed wire fences, buildings, gates, roads, and signs, and performing custodial functions. The successful candidate will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game. The applicant will interact with partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

Applicants with a valid Class A CDL and S-130/S-190 wildland fire certifications preferred.

About the WMA: Dinner Island Ranch WMA is in the heart of old South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. This WMA is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Florida panther, Florida black bear, bobcat, and American alligator. The habitat is composed of freshwater marshes, mesic hammocks, cypress dome swamps, pine flatwoods, and pasture. Hydrological improvements are underway to improve sheet flow and help restore degraded native habitats. Prescribed burning and invasive nonnative plant control are two of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife. There is also an active cattle lease on the WMA.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Able to operate, maintain, and repair heavy equipment and associated implements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• 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.
• Ability to navigate using GPS units in the field.
• Basic use of personal computers (including Microsoft Office).
• Ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (e.g., heat, rain, biting insects, rough terrain).
• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds.
• Strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, staff, and diverse public users.

Broadband code: 19-4021-01

Class code: 5031

Region: South

Title: Fish & Wildlife Technician

County: Hendry

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.

List of any subordinates supervised: None.

Residency requirement: Must live within 25 miles of Dinner Island Ranch WMA Field Office.

Level of education: High School Diploma or GED.

Additional requirements: 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 obtain a State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License within 270 days of appointment and maintain license thereafter. Occasional overnight travel is required.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.