OPS-F&W Biological Scientist III

OPS-F&W Biological Scientist III -

Position Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Position location: Russell Park, Tallahassee FL

Region: Northwest

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8am-5pm M-F with some overnight travel

List of any subordinates supervised: 0-1 intern

Residency Requirement: Leon County area

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and six years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of experience. A Graduate Degree in a relevant field can substitute for two of the six years of experience.

Preferred qualifications: Previous experience with sea turtle lighting and/or sea turtle management and/or State of Florida permitting or regulatory programs are highly desired. A Bachelor of Science degree in a life or physical science and experience with ArcGIS/Pro, MS Office, and MS SharePoint is preferred.

• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing;
• Knowledge of the scientific method and conservation biology principles;
• Knowledge of data collection methods, particularly for imperiled or endangered species;
• Knowledge of wildlife conservation and management principles, strategies, and regulations;
• Ability to learn, understand, and apply highly detailed technical information;
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data and utilize problem‑solving techniques;
• Strong administrative, communication, and computer skills, including proficiency with creating and conducting presentations;
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences;
• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence clearly and concisely;
• Ability to work independently and on teams;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;
• Ability to speak publicly and conduct outreach to various audiences; and
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines with minimal oversight;
• Ability to initiate, manage, and lead meetings.

This primarily office-based position serves as a member of the FWC Sea Turtle Lighting team, providing expertise and guidance to reduce adverse impacts to marine turtles and their nesting habitat within the Imperiled Species Management Section’s Marine Turtle Management and Environmental Commenting Programs. Team members are expected to develop and maintain expertise in the impacts of artificial light on coastal wildlife and in lighting technologies available to reduce impacts.

Primary duties of this position include: reviewing exterior lighting plans for coastal structures, participating in FWC's Wildlife Lighting Program Certification Team and providing outreach about lighting to people within and outside of agency. This position will also work directly with local governments, state agencies, property owners, Marine Turtle Permit Holders and other stakeholders in coastal communities on reducing impacts from existing coastal lighting.

• Review, evaluate, and approve lighting plans for coastal construction for state authorizations; participate in pre construction meetings, pre‑ and post‑construction inspections and meetings with agency and property/project representatives;
• Develop and improve the agency's light management recommendations; create and present educational and training workshops for internal and external audiences;
• Research and evaluate existing and emerging lighting technologies to maintain expertise in wildlife lighting issues;
• Provide technical assistance to other FWC Sections, as well as to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Port Authorities, and county/city governments;
• Participate in all aspects of the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program, including wildlife lighting certification program fixture testing, coordination with lighting manufacturers, and…