OPS Senior F & W Tech - 77902459

Requisition No: 845776 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Senior F & W Tech - 77902459

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902459 

Salary:  $21.00 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 02/20/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Working Title: Senior Fisheries and Wildlife Technician

 Salary: $21/hr

Position number: 77902459

Level of Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working hours: 40hrs/week. Overnight travel may be required no more than 25% of the time.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section:  Invasive Plant Management

Sub-section: Aquatic

Address: 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Supervisor: Mariah McInnis, Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV 

NW Region Senior Fisheries and Wildlife Technician

Description of duties:  Fish and Wildlife Senior Technician will be responsible for management and control measures for two Federally listed noxious weeds found across the panhandle and in other areas of the state. The main focus of this position will involve the application of integrated pest management activities including surveying, mapping, and chemical control directed at Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and Azolla pinnata found in Escambia, Bay, Gadsden, and Leon Counties. This position will also assist with the planning, development and maintenance of other projects as needed such as surveying, mapping, and treating other EDRR (early detection rapid response) species that appear throughout the state. The employee will operate, maintain, and repair equipment and vehicles including trucks, boats, and spray equipment in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Incumbent will prepare and submit accurate weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for timesheets, purchasing, and accomplishments. The employee will be required to interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning invasive plant species, infested area conditions, and will attend regional and divisional meetings and training programs. The employee will be required to obtain an FDACS Pesticide Applicator certificate and license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• This position primarily performs the duties in a field setting. The applicant should be comfortable working outside in various weather conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, working on slippery or uneven surfaces, working in or with moving objects/vehicles, traffic hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles and exposure to aggressive domestic and non-domestic animals, reptiles and insects.
• This position may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, driving, using hands to handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, climbing or balancing and reaching with hands and arms. In addition, this position may be required to occasionally lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds with or without assistance. This position is regularly required to use vision, speech and hearing, with or without assistive devices.
• This position utilizes the following tools and equipment often independently while performing the duties of the job: outboard vessels, canoe/kayaks, spray tanks and pumps, backpack sprayers, GPS, hand tools (pole saws, shovels, rakes, wheel barrels, etc.), gas powered tools (blowers, chain saws, edgers, generators, and pressure washers), and State vehicle.
• This position will cover the EDRR needs of the entire state and as such overnight travel will be required (no more than 25% of the time).
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license

Desired qualifications include:

• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with herbicide applications
• Experience driving outboard boats and airboats
• Experience trailering boats and other equipment
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Florida

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers limited benefits.

 Benefits 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.)    

•           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

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.