Regional Shorebird Biologist

Please apply here: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/LAKELAND-OPS-Fish-&-Wildlife-BS-IV-77904025-FL-33803/1140851900/

Title – OPS Southwest Regional Shorebird Biological Scientist IV

Working Title – Southwest Regional Shorebird Biologist

Pay – 1920 hours/year - $26.04/hour 

Address – 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811

County – Polk

Phone # - (863) 648-3200

Working Hours – 8-5 Eastern Standard Time

List of Subordinates Supervised – May supervise up to 2 full-time or seasonal positions within the Florida Shorebird Program

Residency Requirement – None

Level of Education – Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or similar wildlife related area, or equal professional experience required. Master’s degree preferred. 

Supervisor:  Rebecca Schneider

Other Requirements – 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.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Background – The Southwest Regional Shorebird Biologist position is one of several key positions within the grant-funded Shorebird Program. The goal of the Regional Shorebird Biologist is to support and implement short- and long-term strategies that contribute to the conservation of five focal shorebird and seabird species in Florida (American oystercatcher, least tern, black skimmer, snowy plover, and Wilson’s plover).

Description of Duties – This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, organized, and passionate individual to lead conservation of critical sites supporting imperiled beach nesting birds. The Southwest Regional Shorebird Biologist is a grant-funded position housed within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (FWC). The SW Region includes 12 counties and supports significant aggregates of shorebird nesting areas on conservation and private lands.

This position will have a significant role in leading, coordinating, and collaborating on projects and conservation efforts that benefit a variety of species, including state listed shorebirds and seabirds throughout the Southwest Region.

The Regional Shorebird Biologist will primarily be responsible for coordinating with staff and teams, law enforcement, and partners to support management activities such as shorebird posting, stewardship, monitoring, and predation management on priority beaches and rooftops. The Regional Shorebird Biologist will support the implementation of species conservation measures that provide the framework for avoidance and minimization of impacts to beach and rooftop nesting shorebirds.

The Regional Shorebird Biologist serves as resource to the public and partners on recommended conservation practices at beach-nesting bird sites. This position occasionally provides guidance on avoidance of impacts to imperiled shorebirds and subject matter expertise on permit applications related to shorebirds. 

Additionally, the person in this position will be responsible for administrative tasks such as tracking regional budgets, hiring and supervising staff, and purchasing.

Duties of the position may include:

• Work with local governments, landowners, and resource managers to foster positive conservation outcomes of shorebirds (habitat management, habitat creation, predation management, posting) through outreach, technical assistance, and recognition.
• Lead, coordinate, and engage in meetings and projects to promote conservation for shorebirds and coastal resources regionally.
• Work with teams and partners to address controversial regional issues, including those with regulatory implications.
• Participate in regional Florida Shorebird Alliance partnership meetings, present on key topics and regional updates, as needed.
• Present to staff, partners, and the public to increase support for and understanding of beach nesting birds.
• Coordinate with the data team to prepare reports summarizing activities and monitoring results on priority nesting sites; review annual nesting date for quality assurance.
• Coordinate with partners to ensure high-priority sites are monitored and posted during the nesting season.
• 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 and subject matter expertise during project and permit reviews and participate in relevant environmental commenting.
• Assist with developing habitat management, creation, and restoration projects to benefit coastal species.
• Coordinate with staff and teams to guide regional shorebird predation management activities, including support in prioritizing sites for management.
• Supervise up to 2 full-time or seasonal positions within the Florida Shorebird Program (Predation Management Biologist and seasonal Critical Wildlife Area Biologist) and coordinate hiring of staff with supervisor and teams.
• Occasional overnight travel associated with agency mission critical guidelines may be required. This includes travel for field work, conferences, meetings, training, and other relevant activities.
• Complete administrative duties such as vehicle reporting, purchase tracking, and travel forms in a timely manner.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities –

The individual must be highly skilled in leadership, partnership development and maintenance, and organization including project and information management, and capable of eliciting cooperation as necessary to achieve objectives.

This position requires proficiency in effective communication, including verbal and written, and in establishing professional, collaborative relationships. Strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and positive attitude are an asset to success in this position. The ability to work closely with teams and independently is essential.

Knowledge and skills in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, and familiarity with shared working spaces such as SharePoint and Google Docs.

Abilities to apply technical and scientific knowledge; analyze, interpret, and explain complex technical issues regarding wildlife conservation activities; and develop integrated creative solutions.

Ability to conduct moderately strenuous wildlife management and monitoring activities outdoors, including activities which require lifting 40lbs or more, during a variety of field conditions (hot, humid, and buggy, and sometimes during inclement weather).

Ability to safely operate a variety of vehicles and equipment including GPS units, hand tools, power tools, 4WD vehicles, ATVs, trailers, and boats up to 19 feet is preferred.

Shorebird and seabird conservation experience and species identification skills preferred.

This is not an entry level position.

This position reports to FWC’s Southwest Regional Office in Lakeland, Florida. Other office locations in the Southwest Region may be considered.

OPS Employment – This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff have the potential 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  

•             Learn more at https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

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.

Nearest Major Market: Lakeland