Position location: Fort Myers, FL

Residency Requirement: Southwest Florida

Agency Information: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (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 is 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, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. The FWC has six Divisions, including the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Imperiled Species Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.  

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and six 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 six years of required experience. A Graduate Degree in a relevant field can substitute for two of the six years of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience working with private landowners is highly desired. Proficiency in MS Office, MS SharePoint, Google Earth, and ArcGIS is preferred.

Additional Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. A valid driver’s license is required. The majority of travel will be within south and central Florida, but statewide travel may occasionally be expected. This position may be required to work some weekends and after regular business hours.

Description of Duties: This is a 2-year term position focused on the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program under the purview of the FWC’s Panther Management Program. The candidate must be a strong self-starter with excellent communication and public speaking skills who is outgoing, independent, motivated, professional, and able to work with a diverse array of people. The Panther PES Biologist will implement the PES program in collaboration with staff from the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program. Duties include but are not limited to:

• fostering long-term partnerships with program participants,
• maintaining trail cameras and associated image data on enrolled lands,
• assisting with habitat assessments,
• planning/presenting landowner workshops,
• conducting outreach efforts to a variety of audiences (e.g., commercial cattle producers, homeowners, conservation groups, students, sportsmen) about PES and living with panthers,
• planning focus groups and surveys to engage with landowners and monitor program outcomes and,
• panther field response to pet/livestock depredations, vehicle strikes, telemetry flights, capture efforts, plus potential for limited bear field response opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Florida panther or puma biology and their habitats and a broad knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;
• Knowledge of carnivore research, management, and conflict minimization techniques;
• Knowledge of private lands conservation, habitat management practices, and effective measures for working with private landowners;
• Knowledge of effective measures for conducting outreach about carnivore science and conservation for various audiences;
• Knowledge of government processes and procedures;
• Skilled in effective communication (oral and written) with peers and stakeholders;
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Ability to work independently and on teams;
• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor;
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments;
• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism;
• Ability to safely operate vehicles;
• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity and exposure to biting insects and venomous snakes; and
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours. Limited overnight travel may be required.

OPS Employment Description: This position is classified as full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. The position is expected to work 40 hours per week and is paid for the number of hours worked rather than a salaried position. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System. OPS employees do have the potential to receive health insurance benefits.

Agency Expectations: The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view. Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC's invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.