FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III (Gopher Tortoise Conservation Biologist)

The candidate selected for this Career Service position will work with a dynamic team of biologists to protect and conserve gopher tortoises throughout Florida. The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions, partners, and stakeholders to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines.

This position works in the FWC’s Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC), serving as the Northeast Region’s Gopher Tortoise Conservation Biologist. This position is responsible for reviewing and processing gopher tortoise permit applications, including drafting permits and related notices to agency standards. This position regularly works in the field conducting site visits to areas under consideration for permitting to verify gopher tortoise surveys/population estimates, evaluate habitat suitability for tortoises and other listed species, and document occurrences of other listed species. Site visits are also conducted on permitted areas to ensure compliance with state rules and Species Guidelines. Responsibilities also include reviewing draft conservation easement documents and habitat management plans to implement permit requirements and conservation goals.

This position has the opportunity to participate in team meetings, seminars, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management, as well as other professional development opportunities within and outside FWC. The selected candidate may have the opportunity to participate in outreach activities providing technical and educational information to conservation organizations, professional audiences, schools, and civic groups.

This position also has the opportunity to work collaboratively with a regional team to improve wildlife conservation in the region. This may include assisting with or leading priority conservation projects, developing or enhancing partnerships with other organizations, providing technical assistance to the public and other agencies, inputting and managing data, maintaining equipment, and providing other administrative support for regional activities as necessary.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education, and numerous agency trainings for professional development. Position located in central Florida, exact office location negotiable.