OPS F&W Biological Scientist III - Education and Outreach Specialist

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to coordinate the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program and assist with education and outreach initiatives related to nonnative fish and wildlife.  

Primary duties will include facilitating the rehoming of nonnative fish and wildlife kept as pets through the FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, tracking surrender and adoption reports in the database, answering calls and emails from the Exotic Species Hotline and program email account, and organizing 4-5 Exotic Pet Amnesty Day events around the state per year. This position will assist with various nonnative fish and wildlife outreach and education programs such as the Python Patrol Program, attending outreach events, purchasing, and distributing outreach materials, creating educational materials, updating the website, and conducting other outreach projects in coordination with the supervisor and Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator.

Additional duties will include:

• Leading the development of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s annual report;
• Preparing educational and outreach activities, workshops and trainings pertaining to nonnative fish and wildlife issues;
• Assisting the Education and Outreach Biologist with:
• Website updates and species profiles;
• Development of educational materials, presentations, and exhibits;
• Purchasing educational materials for the Section;
• Conducting Python Patrol trainings in virtual and in-person formats.
• Representing the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program at special events and providing public presentations;
• Conducting independent projects designed to further the agency’s nonnative species education programs;
• Leading the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program by:
• Developing outreach materials and coordinating media events for Exotic Pet Amnesty Days;
• Soliciting new pet adopters through targeted campaigns and coordinated events;
• Maintaining and operating the Exotic Pet Amnesty trailer;
• Ensuring Exotic Pet Amnesty Program data are uploaded and summarized in a timely manner;
• Database management and streamlining of all Exotic Pet Amnesty information;
• Coordinating and booking cargo flights for nonnative pets rehomed with out of state adopters;
• Writing quarterly and annual reports about the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program in a timely manner;
• Answering questions from the public regarding nonnative fish and wildlife management;
• Assisting staff with education animal husbandry as needed;
• Other duties as assigned.

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Familiarity with nonnative species issues;
• Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service; 
• Demonstrated experience conducting outreach programs;
• Demonstrated working knowledge on husbandry of nonnative fish and wildlife; 
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints;
• Ability to review and edit documents or presentations to agency standards;
• Ability to drive a truck and pull a two axle trailer;
• Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives;
• Ability to troubleshoot and assist the public while communicating over the phone;
• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing for various audiences;
• Demonstrated technical writing skills. 

Desired qualifications include:

• Ability to identify native and nonnative wildlife;
• Ability to properly and safely handle nonnative wildlife;
• Familiarity with state and federal laws governing wildlife, particularly nonnative species;
• Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision when needed;
• Ability to generate ideas for public engagement and develop those into action items;
• Ability to evaluate program operations, troubleshoot issues and develop solutions to improve efficiency;
• Ability to network with businesses, agencies; organizations and individual stakeholders as needed;
• Database management experience;
• Computer experience (MS Word, Access, Excel and Outlook and PowerPoint);
• Ability to travel less than 25%.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Florida driver’s license

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 (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
• 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.

Nearest Major Market: Fort Lauderdale
Nearest Secondary Market: Miami

How to apply:

Applicants must apply thorhg the State of Florida People First system