OPS -Biological Scientist III - 77900495

Requisition No: 884000

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS -Biological Scientist III - 77900495

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900495

Salary: AGENCY TO UPDATE

Posting Closing Date: 09/29/2026

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

Position Number: 77900495

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III - OPS Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Specialist

Salary: $23.44/hour + benefits (not to exceed 1,920 hours per fiscal year)

Supervisor: Rhonda Latour for inquiries : [email protected]

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Position location: 3911 HWY 2321 Panama City, FL. 32409

Region: Northwest

County: Bay County

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, some nights and weekend work may be required. Overnight travel may be required

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where native 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: 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 Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife Impact Management (WIM) Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum qualifications : A high school diploma and 6 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 6 years of required experience. A valid driver’s license is required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System.

Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Additional requirements :

The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.

In carrying out duties of this position, the incumbent is always expected to be aware of and abide by the Commission's standards of conduct, as well as any and all Commission rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Preferred qualifications :

- Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.

- Exemplary customer service skills and an ability to interface effectively with the public over the phone on a daily basis regarding sensitive topics.

- Ability to develop and effectively present educational outreach material to adult audiences.

- Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, data management, and mapping.

- Knowledge of and experience with wildlife damage control techniques.

- Ability to identify native and non-native wildlife.

- Knowledge of wildlife issues in Florida.

- Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines with minimal, remote supervision.

- Good organizational and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

- Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, stakeholder representatives and coworkers.

- Ability to safely operate a vehicle.

- Ability to travel overnight less than 25% of the time.

Description of Duties:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologist. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for human-wildlife conflict issues and provides information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife. Assistance provided to the public or agency staff may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Some fieldwork may occur but is not a regular component of this position. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Program at outreach events by conducting presentations to citizen groups. The candidate may also conduct site visits and provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment, as necessary. The Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologist works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to:

- Coordinate management of human-wildlife conflict situations including those involving bears, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife species.

- Network to establish clear communication across the agency about emerging wildlife issues.

- Assist with the implementation of response protocols for human-wildlife conflict situations in coordination with other FWC programs including the Division of Law Enforcement.

Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

- Provide technical assistance to the public and other agencies on means to address human-wildlife conflicts and to promote strategies to coexist with wildlife.

- Maintain familiarity with prevalent conflict wildlife issues and continually identify and share best technical assistance practices and protocols as required.

- Provide coverage for other regional Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologists as needed.

- Maintain an accurate and thorough daily log of public correspondence via the Wildlife Impact Management System database.

- Participate in public outreach efforts as directed to increase appreciation for wildlife and address conflict wildlife abatement or other wildlife-related issues.

- Monitor inbox for incoming online conflict reports for queries that may require additional follow-up and respond with direct communication with stakeholders as needed.

- Occasionally support the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s management efforts through response activities.

- Remain up to date on Commission rules and regulations regarding protected wildlife, the take of wildlife, conflict wildlife abatement, and related issues.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

- State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory

- Workers’ Compensation - mandatory

- Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory

- Potential to participate in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)

- Deferred Compensation - voluntary

- Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.

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.