Deadline: Tue, 02/14/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Florida Location Detail: Naples Job Description: Three capture technicians are needed for a black bear research project in southwest Florida. Positions will start about April 15th and are anticipated to end mid-August; the end date will depend on trapping success (some positions may end slightly earlier or be extended). Applicants must be available to work through at least August 15th. The technicians will assist state agency biologists with the trapping, capture, and GPS collaring of bears to investigate survival and other demographics. Tasks include setting and maintaining bait sites, deploying camera traps, setting and maintaining Aldrich foot snares and Cambrian cage traps, handling and collecting samples from black bears, entering and managing data in Excel, and maintaining vehicles (trucks and atvs). Applicant must be dependable, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a small team environment under adverse field conditions that include traveling on foot through areas of swamp and wet flatwoods with dense vegetation, biting insects, harsh weather conditions (hot temperatures, high humidity, heavy rain and lightning), and possibly dangerous animals such as venomous snakes, alligators, pythons, and panthers. Qualifications: Housing in a remote area will be provided (shared trailer or bunk house), but food and other living expenses will not be covered. Applicants must abide by coronavirus guidelines that include wearing a mask and gloves when handling live animals. Applicants must also be comfortable living in close quarters with members of the opposite sex and be respectful of others while living and working in close quarters. Applicants will be driving an agency vehicle during work hours but will need their own transportation for personal time. Applicants will be responsible for all expenses incurred when moving to Florida. Applicants will work irregular hours, often on weekends and over 40 hours/week but will get weekly scheduled time off and overtime compensated at 1.5 times hourly rate. Please attach a cover letter and resume. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Two years of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction. Vocational training or college, as described below, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience: an associate of science degree from an accredited college in the field of wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or agriculture studies and one year of wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agricultural or construction experience; or An associate of arts or science degree from an accredited college and two years of wildlife, fisheries, environmental or related agricultural or construction experience, or Sixty (60) semester hours at an accredited college or university which include 21 semester hours in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological, biological or agricultural studies may substitute for the required college. 2. A valid U.S. driver’s license, clean driving record, and authorization to work in the U.S. are required. **Preference may be given to candidates returning from prior years, or those with experience trapping and handling large mammals, especially bears, or other specific skills. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Able to set and maintain bait sites, camera traps, Aldrich foot snares and Cambrian cage traps; work alone in the wilderness late at night; navigate in the backcountry and off-trail by aerial maps or handheld GPS; accurately collect field data; drive a 4WD truck and ATV on wet, unmanaged roads or trails, enter and manage data in Excel and maintain trucks and atvs; interact in a professional manner with people with diverse views (various agencies and the public); and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Successful candidates should be able to vertically lift at least 50 lbs. and have experience handling/collecting samples from black bears or other large mammals. Salary: $15/hour + overtime + shared housing Benefits: Shared housing and paid overtime. How to Apply: Applicants must apply through the State of Florida jobs website linked here: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/NAPLES-OPS-Fish-&-Wildlife-Technician-77907479-FL-34114/984466000/ Please attach a cover letter and resume to your application.
