Regional Shorebird Biologist (OPS-Fish & Wildlife BS IV)

In addition to submitting an application to the People First Vacancy Position #77904025, interested individuals should submit a cover letter describing the applicant’s experience, Resume or CV, and three professional references.

Description of Duties – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking a dedicated biologist with a strong background in shorebird and seabird (shorebird) conservation to serve as a Regional Shorebird Biologist for a 12-county region of southwest Florida. The primary responsibility of this position is overseeing the implementation of shorebird and seabird conservation actions locally, regionally, and in some cases, statewide. The candidate will:

·         Work with local governments, landowners, and resource managers to improve conservation of shorebirds (habitat management, habitat creation, predation management, posting) through outreach, technical assistance, recognition, etc.

·         Lead or coordinate meetings and projects as appropriate to promote conservation for shorebirds and coastal resources regionally.

·         Work with partners to address controversial regional issues affecting shorebirds, especially those with potential regulatory consequences.

·         Supervise program staff across the Southwest Region.

·         Provide scientific expertise and support implementation of statewide conservation initiatives for beach-nesting birds.

·         Assist with habitat management, creation, and restoration projects to benefit coastal species.

·         Coordinate the implementation of regional shorebird predation management including prioritizing needs and contracting predator control agents.

·         Work with Florida Shorebird Alliance partners to ensure high-priority sites are posted. Fill in monitoring gaps as needed.

·         Review shorebird breeding data  and work with colleagues and partners to ensure quality of monitoring data.

·         Improve the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts by developing and delivering annual training to law enforcement staff, as well as coordinating patrols at critical times during the breeding season

·         Provide technical assistance during project and permit reviews,  develop guidelines & conditions, improve compliance, and participate in relevant environmental commenting.

·         Provide scientific expertise and support implementation of statewide conservation initiatives for beach-nesting birds.

·         Assist with habitat management, creation, and restoration projects to benefit coastal species.

·         Assist with shorebird research and survey projects.

·         Participate actively in regional partnership meetings and provide support when requested.

·         Participate in regional/national conservation efforts, partnerships, flyway-wide efforts.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – B.S. degree in wildlife or related natural resource management (M.S. preferred); a minimum of 3 years professional experience in similar field; shorebird/seabird conservation expertise; experience supervising full-time and seasonal staff; strong data management skills; strong written and communication skills; people-oriented, outgoing personality, highly diplomatic, enjoys engaging with partners and stakeholders; independent and self-directed; prefer candidates proficient in boating, trailer hauling, and ATV operation.

Region – Southwest

Title – OPS+ Southwest Regional Shorebird Biological Scientist IV

Working Title – Southwest Regional Shorebird Biologist

County – Lee

Address - 2423 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Pay Rate - $24.11 hourly, 1920 hours per fiscal year

Working Hours – 8-5 Eastern Standard Time

Supervisor - Rebecca Schneider

List of Subordinates Supervised – May supervise up to 3 full-time or seasonal positions within the Florida Shorebird Program: Critical Wildlife Area Biologist, Predation Management Biologist, Rooftop Nesting Biologist

Residency Requirement – None

Level of Education – Minimum B.S., bachelor’s in wildlife biology or similar wildlife related area.

Start Date - no later than September 2022

OPS Employment: This is an OPS (Other Personnel Services) position which means that employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive any form of paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System. OPS employees do have the option to receive health insurance benefits.