Deadline: Tue, 09/27/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Field: Forestry Wildlife Other Job Type: Full Time Location: Florida Location Detail: Felda, Florida Job Description: FWC is seeking a highly motivated candidate with mechanical experience to assist with the management of Okaloacoochee Slough (OK Slough) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hendry County, FL. This position serves as a full-time, Fish & Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. Responsibilities include operation and maintenance of area equipment including trucks, ATV/UTVs, swamp buggies, tractors plus their implements, and various small equipment (e.g., water pumps, mowers, chainsaws, weed eaters, etc.) in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Additional duties include the restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat through prescribed fire, firebreak maintenance, native plantings, and mechanical and chemical vegetation control (e.g., mowing, roller chopping, herbicide application) throughout the area. As well as assisting the lead area biologist with other projects as needed. Applicant must possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment and follow manufacturer’s recommendations for regular preventative maintenance. The successful candidate will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game and will assist biologists with wildlife survey efforts. The successful candidate must be field-oriented and will serve as a key member of the WMA’s prescribed burn team. The position will also assist with the planning, development, and maintenance of projects, public use facilitation, building maintenance, and fence, gate, and sign construction and maintenance. The applicant will interact with various partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. Occasionally will attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, or will assist on other WMAs as needed. Applicants with a valid Class A CDL and S-130/S-190 wildland fire certifications preferred. Qualifications: Level of education: High School Diploma or GED Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to operate and maintain farm tractors and implements, transports, ATVs, UTVs, welders, power tools and small engine motors; ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions; ability to plan and organize work assignments; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to be able to manage several assignments simultaneously. Incumbent is expected to have a strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, agency staff, and diverse public users. Incumbent shall have good organizational skills and be able to work in a fast-paced or changing environment. Miscellaneous: Residency requirement: Reside within a 25-mile radius of the Okaloacoochee Slough/Spirit of the Wild Field Office Additional requirements: Incumbent must have a valid driver’s license. Must possess or obtain valid Class A Florida Commercial Driver’s License within first 270 days of employment and maintain license annually. Must complete S-130/S-190 courses within 6 months of employment. Required to hand lift at least 50 pounds to repeatedly load and offload equipment. Occasional overnight travel is required. Position is subject to random drug screening. Salary: $1,200.00 bi-weekly + benefits Benefits: Annual leave and sick leave accrual, ten paid holidays a year, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, participation in the Florida Retirement System, optional extra insurance options, tuition wavers, a company vehicle will be provided for transportation to and from work. How to Apply: Go to jobs.myflorida.com and search for position number 77001157 in the keywords box. Fill out an application, attach your resume and cover letter, then answer all the qualifying questions. If you have any questions contact the position supervisor, Ryder Hochmuth, at ryder.hochmuth@myfwc.com or 239-207-6153.
