Predation Management Biologist – 77909034

Requisition No: 846307 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- F & W Bio Sci III – 77909034

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909034 

Salary:  $21.63 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 03/06/2025 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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

OPS F&W Biological Scientist III

Position # – 77909034

Address – 9741 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32080

Supervisor & Position# – Hailey Dedmon (352-644-3539), 77904048

Broadband Code – 19-1023-03

Class Code – 5074

Region – Northeast and North Central

Pay Rate: $21.63 per hour, limited overtime available

Title – Fish & Wildlife Biologist III

Working Title – Predation Management Biologist

County – Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns

Working Hours – Variable

List of Subordinates Supervised – N/A

Residency Requirement – None

Level of Education – B.S., Bachelors in a life science preferred 

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Applicants will include a cover letter, a resume, and three references in their application for this position.

Description of Duties – The Predation Management Biologist will work closely with the Regional Shorebird Biologist, Regional Diversity Conservation Biologists, and teams to conduct shorebird predation management activities at multiple sites in northeast Florida (primarily in Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns Counties). The biologist will work collaboratively with a regional team and often independently in the field to achieve conservation and management goals.  

Other duties include:

• Identify sources of shorebird and seabird nest loss and use tracks and other sign to identify the predator responsible when nests are lost to predation.
• Use tracking surveys to identify and evaluate the presence and spatial use patterns of potential predators in the beach/dune habitat and surrounding natural areas.
• Conduct tracking and population assessments for common nest predators using sand transects, scent stations, bait stations, and game cameras.
• Use a variety of non-lethal predator aversion techniques and investigate the use of novel techniques.
• Conduct lethal removal of avian and mammalian predators when necessary.
• Document all predation management activities, record GPS points, and create maps of all work areas using ArcGIS or Google Earth.
• Assist with report writing, data analysis, and distributing findings.

The Predation Management Biologist will be responsible for communicating with private landowners, local land managers, partnering agencies and the public about predation management in beach dune habitat. This position will attend public meetings and educational events and participate in shorebird working groups as a spokesperson for predation management.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Applicant must be proficient in the use of firearms.
• Ability to trailer, launch, retrieve and navigate an outboard motor vessel in marine waters.
• Experience communicating with stakeholders and ability to coordinate resources between agencies and among sites. Strong customer service skills are an asset.
• Experience recording data and writing reports.
• Experience with a handheld GPS unit and mapping software such as GIS or Google Earth.
• Experience trailering, loading, and driving a UTV in remote locations and difficult terrain.
• Ability to have a flexible work schedule including long days in the field.
• Ability to work effectively with little direct supervision, in remote locations, and under hot and humid weather conditions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Excellent critical thinking skills for addressing complex challenges in the field.

Preference will be given to candidates that have experience with mammalian and avian predation management, especially in the beach dune communities. Experience with shorebird ID and nest searching/monitoring is preferred. Experience with public speaking experience is also preferred.

This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work, but do not receive any form of paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff are eligible for health insurance benefits and participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program.

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 servicing Human Resource Office for details.)
• Deferred Compensation – voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of 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.