OPS- Biological Scientist III

Position Overview

Time:
Temp position
Pay: $21.63/hour

Location:

7373 U.S. Hwy 331 S., DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Working hours:

40 hrs/week, 8 am‑5 pm Monday‑Friday with occasional night and weekend work.

Supervisor:
Cheryl Spencer
Subordinates: 3–5 Contractors

• Respond to public requests for assistance with human‑bear conflicts, including site visits, technical assessment, trapping, immobilization, relocation or euthanasia of bears, and disposal of carcasses.
• Coordinate the activities of Bear Response Contractors and manage the bear deterrent loaner equipment program.
• Maintain bear traps and other equipment for agency use.
• Enter field data into an agency‑wide online wildlife database.
• Provide outreach and stakeholder engagement at public events, meetings, schools, and other venues.
• Assist in implementing strategies outlined in the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan for the area of responsibility.

• High school diploma and six years of professional experience in a related biological or laboratory field.
• Or a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field that substitutes for four of the six years of experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or other natural resources field.
• Experience working with wildlife, especially human‑bear conflicts.
• Experience trapping and handling wildlife, preferably bears.
• Experience working with stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Design, coordinate, implement and evaluate human‑wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.
• Teamwork and effective verbal and written communication.
• Stress management and calm decision‑making.
• Stakeholder engagement for conservation efforts.
• Public presentation skills.
• Independent planning and prioritization of work assignments.
• Representation of agency viewpoints.
• Safe operation of motor vehicles, mechanical winch, bear traps, dart rifle, shotgun, and mechanical trailers.
• Knowledge of chemical immobilization methods and U.S. DEA license requirements.
• Data collection and entry for field data.
• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions, high heat, humidity, heavy loads, biting insects, and venomous snakes.
• Adaptability to changing environments.
• Ability to work with varied personalities.
• Computer skills for data management.
• Flexibility for night, weekend, holiday work.
• Planning, organizing, prioritizing, meeting deadlines.
• Detail‑oriented self‑motivated time management.

• Successful completion of a background check.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to participate in limited statewide travel.