Black Rail Technician

BLACK RAIL TECHNICIAN (1) needed (April 17- August 31, 2023) to conduct research in central Florida on the endangered Eastern Black Rail. This is an exciting opportunity for someone hoping to gain hands on experience in conservation biology. Successful applicant will be a seasonal OPS employee with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Personnel hired will conduct call-broadcast point counts, habitat assessments, and deploy and retrieve autonomous recording units (ARUs) across multiple conservation lands in the Upper St. Johns River Basin. Technicians may also participate in processing sound files and data entry/management. Position will require local travel between field sites and occasional visits to the main office in Gainesville, FL. Must have a good driving record and be able to cope with long days in the sun and adverse weather conditions. Must be comfortable working in wetlands. Pay is $16/hour (pre-tax). Free housing provided in Titusville, FL. Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Carolyn Enloe at: Carolyn.Enloe@MyFWC.com

Preferred Qualifications: * Applicants must have previous field experience and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, environmental science, or related field *Experience identifying species by sound a plus! Point count survey experience with call-broadcast techniques highly preferred ***Experience with operating and loading ATVs and trailers independently highly preferred * Must be detail-oriented and careful with data collection ***Must have ability to work independently with minimal supervision * Experience with or desire to learn passive monitoring techniques such as ARU or camera trap deployment preferred

Applications will be reviewed as received

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. 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 to determine eligibility. Seasonal personnel typically do not qualify.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program – voluntary 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