OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

The Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to work within a team of wildlife biologists who provide assistance to private and public landowners. This position offers the opportunity to influence management decisions on a landscape level by developing and fostering long-term partnerships with private landowners who own and manage over half of Florida’s natural resources.

OCPS provides scientific support and technical assistance to a wide array of private and public sector landowners and local, state, and federal governmental entities on habitat-related issues. OCPS develops comprehensive habitat-based management plans, develops and implements incentive programs for private landowners, provides recommendations for implementation of habitat management programs on private and publicly owned land, and conducts habitat assessments on conservation easements such as gopher tortoise recipient sites. This position will directly influence the management of both game and non-game species such as white-tailed deer, quail, turkey, waterfowl, gopher tortoise, black bear, indigo snake, flatwoods salamanders, wading birds, and more.

The OCPS Northwest Region Team’s primary function is development, administration and delivery of voluntary, incentive-based programs including, but not limited to, FARM Bill Conservation Programs, Forest Stewardship Program, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, Payment for Ecosystem Services Programs, Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program, and Private Lands Tool Cache. This position will have the opportunity to closely coordinate and act as a liaison to implement FARM Bill programs including but not limited to EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and RCPP.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Building and fostering long-term partnerships with landowners.

• Biological data collection and analysis.

• Writing Conservation Stewardship Plans, reports and land management prescriptions.

• Monitoring and evaluating program-funded fish and wildlife habitat enhancement activities.

• Collecting wildlife observations in the field.

• Planning and conducting educational workshops/field days.

• Assisting in the review and comment on resource management plans for military facilities, proposed land use planning changes and county and other land management plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school diploma and 7 years’ professional experience in a closely related biological field is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 7 years of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Zoology, Environmental Sciences or other closely related curriculum and three years of professional experience in a natural resource program.

Desired Qualifications Include:

• The ability to positively communicate with a wide variety of landowners who have different land-uses and objectives for their property.

• Passion for motivating landowners to actively manage their habitats in ways that benefit wildlife.

• The ability and desire to be open-minded while working within a team of biologists to develop long-term partnerships with private landowners.

• The ability to work as a team as well as work alone when needed.

• Geographical Information System experience.

• Excellent communicative skills both verbal and written.

• Knowledge of Florida plant/animal communities.

• Knowledge of habitat management techniques.

• The ability to travel overnight less than 25%.

• Work alone in the field 50% of the time.

• Public speaking ability.

Where You Will Work:

Marianna, Florida, is a welcoming community where small-town charm, natural beauty, and affordable living come together. Conveniently located near Tallahassee, Panama City, and Dothan, Marianna offers a peaceful lifestyle while keeping larger cities within easy reach. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the remarkable caves and trails at Florida Caverns State Park, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Jackson Blue Springs, paddle across Merritt’s Mill Pond, or kayak along the scenic Chipola River.

Although your office will be based in Marianna, your work will take you throughout North Florida, where you will work with private landowners and experience the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of the Florida Panhandle. With its friendly atmosphere, historic character, community events, and abundant outdoor recreation, North Florida is a wonderful place to live, work, and call home.

How You Will Grow:

FWC encourages employees to strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge, and find innovative ways to support Florida’s fish, wildlife, and habitats. Through training, hands-on experience, and collaboration with private landowners and conservation partners, you will gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful conservation projects throughout North Florida.

FWC will support and encourage your professional growth as you take on meaningful projects, develop relationships with private landowners, and gain valuable experience conserving the diverse landscapes and natural resources of North Florida. Employees are encouraged to collaborate with their supervisor to pursue opportunities for professional growth and career development. Throughout your career, FWC provides a diverse selection of training opportunities to help you build new skills and achieve your goals.