OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician

Requisition No: 866613

Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission:
Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long‑term well‑being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science‑informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

• A high school diploma and two years of post‑high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required.
• Vocational training or an Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife or other biological fields.
• Experience driving 4‑wheel vehicles and ATVs on unmaintained roads.
• Experience building and maintaining barbed‑wire hair corrals for bears or other large carnivores.
• Experience entering data by cell phone into a cloud‑based application such as Survey
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• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
• Must have own transportation for personal time.

Three technicians will be hired from mid‑April to mid‑August 2026 to assist with estimating abundance and density of black bears in northcentral Florida. No bears will be captured or handled. Duties include installing barbed‑wire hair corrals and collecting bear hair samples following a strict sampling protocol, collecting bait and other supplies, entering and correcting data, and other duties as assigned. Technicians will build corrals in a 2‑person team but check them alone.

A typical work week is 10 hours/day over 4 days with 3 days off, but technicians may be required to work extra days as needed to stay on schedule. The job will be strenuous, requiring technicians to hike off‑trail in harsh weather conditions (e.g., high temperatures and humidity) in areas with biting insects and venomous snakes. Field housing will be provided but food expenses will not be covered.

Technicians will be driving agency vehicles during work hours but will need their own transportation for personal time.

In addition to completing the online application in People First, applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (as a single combined file or separate attachments). Please name the file(s) starting with your last name. References should include their name, title, phone number, and email address.

• Possess strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and desire to work in remote areas and under adverse field conditions, such as harsh weather conditions (hot temperatures and humidity), biting insects, and venomous snakes.
• Willingness to live in shared housing, possibly with mixed‑genders, provided at no cost.
• Ability to drive a 4WD truck on unimproved, sandy or wet roads.
• Ability to drive an ATV.
• Ability to load an ATV onto a utility trailer or into a truck bed using a ramp.
• Skills navigating off‑trail by handheld GPS/phone apps (e.g., Field Maps, On‑X, etc.).
• Ability to accurately check data for errors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including a remote supervisor.

• Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top‑tier…