State of Florida - Vero Beach, FL
posted 1 day ago
About the position
The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Office of Conservation Planning Services. This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a wide variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across the State of Florida. This position serves as a biologist in the Land Use Planning (LUP) Program in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation's Office of Conservation Planning Services (CPS). Biologists in the LUP Program gain in-depth knowledge of Florida's environmental regulations and their practical applications, serve the public, and develop an enhanced understanding of listed species habitats and life histories while helping to shape a sustainable future in Florida. LUP biologists work as part of a talented and diverse team and coordinate with wildlife experts throughout the Agency. CPS provides technical assistance to a wide array of private and public sector landowners and local, state, and federal governmental entities on conservation-related issues. The LUP Program coordinates collaborative consultations for large land use planning efforts that have the potential to impact fish and wildlife resources, particularly those that anticipate going through a regulatory process (Environmental Resource Permits, Section 404, Siting Coordination, County Comprehensive Plan amendments, major watershed initiatives, etc.). This position will provide technical assistance to stakeholders and partner agencies for land use planning activities and is responsible for tracking, reviewing, and commenting on a variety of complex applications related to changes in land use and environmental permitting. This position will also focus on partnerships and planning, including reducing impacts to Florida's imperiled species, reducing habitat fragmentation, and reducing the potential for human-wildlife conflict, including identification of project mitigation that contributes to landscape level conservation objectives. To excel in this role, the successful candidate must have an understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs, as well as a practical knowledge of native habitat management and recovery techniques suited to various Florida landscapes. Proficiency in technical writing and the use of GIS software is essential, and candidates will be expected to demonstrate these skills during the interview process. Ideal candidates will have mastered these knowledge, skills, and abilities. Much of the work in this position will be conducted from an office during regular business hours, and biologists in the LUP Program enjoy a relatively predictable work schedule with the flexibility to attend site visits or assist other FWC staff in the field when appropriate. Occasional long days and overnight travel are expected. Agency supported and individual-specific training will be made available to the person in this position as needed.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and partner agencies for land use planning activities.
- Track, review, and comment on a variety of complex applications related to changes in land use and environmental permitting.
- Coordinate collaborative consultations for large land use planning efforts.
- Reduce impacts to Florida's imperiled species and habitat fragmentation.
- Identify project mitigation that contributes to landscape level conservation objectives.
- Demonstrate proficiency in technical writing and GIS software.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum.
- Graduate degree and two years of professional experience preferred.
- Experience writing and reviewing technical documents.
- Experience with imperiled species or their habitats.
- Familiarity with land use applications and/or permits.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to manage conflict.
Nice-to-haves
- 3+ years of experience preferred.
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and organized.
- Commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service.
Benefits
- Agency supported training.
- Flexible work schedule.
