OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

The OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III will coordinate the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program and assist with education and outreach initiatives related to nonnative fish and wildlife. The position will work within the Wildlife Impact Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating the rehoming of nonnative fish and wildlife, tracking rehoming requests and adoption reports, answering calls and emails from the Invasive Species Hotline and email account, and organizing rehoming day events. The position will also assist with various nonnative fish and wildlife outreach and education programs.

What You Will Do

Primary duties will include leading the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, coordinating and booking cargo flights for nonnative pets rehomed with out-of-state adopters, streamlining and improving operations and efficiencies of the program, soliciting new program adopters, developing outreach materials, and writing and editing reports and newsletter articles. The position will also conduct projects designed to further the agency’s nonnative fish and wildlife education programs, assist in the development of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s annual report, and prepare educational and outreach activities.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and 6 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program. The candidate should have knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation, as well as experience handling fish and wildlife, including herpetological species. The candidate should also be able to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers, and have experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives.

Requirements

• High school diploma
• 6 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program
• Valid Florida driver’s license
• Ability to handle fish and wildlife, including herpetological species
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to review and edit documents and presentations to agency standards
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public or stakeholder representatives
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing for various audiences
• Computer experience (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe)
• Familiarity with Florida’s nonnative species issues and state and federal laws governing wildlife
• Ability to identify native and nonnative fish and wildlife
• Ability to properly and safely handle nonnative fish and wildlife

Benefits

• Benefits (not to exceed 1,920 contract hours per fiscal year)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Learning budget
• Parental leave
• Wellness program
• Visa/relocation assistance
• Remote flexibility
• Stipends
• Bonus/commission