Requisition No: 827335 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902216

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902216 

Salary:  $18.23 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/15/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Position number: 77902216

Location: Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA, 100 CR 832, Felda, FL 33930

Phone number: (863) 612-0775

Supervisor: Tanner Mazanec 

        Description of duties:  The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife Habitat Management Section. The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hendry County, FL. This position serves as a full-time, field-oriented OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of various equipment including trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, tractors and their implements, front end loaders, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. The incumbent must be able to troubleshoot equipment failure issues and follow manufacturer's recommendations for periodic preventative maintenance and fabricate and repair equipment including minor motor repairs and small engine repairs utilizing welders, cutting torches, and other various hand/air tools.

        Additionally, this position is responsible for infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair, including barbed wire fences, buildings, gates, roads, and signs, and performing custodial functions. The incumbent will assist biologists with various land management activities including prescribed burning, installing firebreaks, and mowing, chemical and mechanical control of invasive and exotic plants. The incumbent will prepare and submit accurate documents such as timesheets and equipment use reports. The incumbent will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game. The incumbent will interact with partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.  Applicants with S-130/S-190 wildland fire certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Able to operate, maintain, and repair heavy equipment and associated implements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.
• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities.
• Skilled in construction activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding.
• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices, such as prescribed burning and herbicide use for vegetation control.
• Ability to identify areas of need and improvement in the work environment and come up with creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to navigate using GPS units in the field.
• Basic use of personal computers (including Microsoft Office).
• Ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (e.g., heat, rain, biting insects, rough terrain).
• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds.
• Strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, staff, and diverse public users.

Broadband code: 19-4021-01

Class code: 5031

Region: South

Title: OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician

County: Hendry

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.

List of any subordinates supervised: None.

Residency Requirement:  Reside within a 25-mile radius of the Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA Field Office.

Level of education: High School Diploma or GED.

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Level 1 background check. Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Starting pay rate: $18.23/hour (40 hours per week; 1,920 hours per year)

OPS Employment – This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff have the potential for health insurance benefits and participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE 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 for details.)

•    Deferred Compensation - voluntary

•    Employee Assistance Program – voluntary  

•    Learn more at https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

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.