Gopher Resources Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 879457
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77073257
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 77073257
Salary: $1,945.56 biweekly + benefits
Posting Closing Date: 08/16/2026
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Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Position Number: 77073257
Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist
Broadband Code 19-1023-04
Class Code: 5075
Bi-Weekly Salary: $1,945.56 bi-weekly + benefits
Working Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, a flexible work schedule may be authorized
List of Subordinates Supervised: None
City: Ft. Myers preferred, other locations considered
Region: South or Southwest Region
Location: Ft. Myers, other FWC's offices may be considered
Residency Requirement: No
% Travel Required: +/- 25%
Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: Valid Driver's License
Supervisor: Samantha Baysinger for inquiries: (850) 354-3578 or Samantha.Baysinger@MyFWC.com
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Our organization: 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.
The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.
Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 7 years 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 7 years of required experience.
Preferred qualifications:
Minimum of a 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. Candidates must have experience writing and reviewing technical documents, must have experience with imperiled species or their habitats, and should be familiar with land use or wildlife permits. Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and be able to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills. Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service.
In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, please attach a resume and cover letter. This letter should at minimum explain your interest in the specific position and identify your most relevant skills and experiences. For questions regarding this position, please contact Samantha Baysinger at Samantha.Baysinger@MyFWC.com or by phone at (850) 354-3578.
Description of Duties:
The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. The position is located within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, in the Office of Conservation Planning Services. The position is a critical member of FWC's gopher tortoise conservation program, working to conserve Florida's only native tortoise and is responsible for gopher tortoise recipient site conservation through permitting. This is an office-based position with field work opportunities.
The main function of this position is to provide expertise and coordinate gopher tortoise recipient site permitting statewide. This position will review both public and private recipient site applications, will work closely with Compliance and Monitoring staff working on pre-application materials and site visits, and will have primary responsibility for the review and processing of recipient site permit applications in conjunction with their team. This position will review area management plans, work with Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) staff on easement and title review, work with Landowner Assistance Program staff on the review of vegetation and population monitoring surveys, and help draft MOU/MOA's as needed. This position will be the primary point of contact for customers on recipient site issues once they submit their applications, and responsive customer service to applicants, landowners, and their representatives is a key responsibility. They may also attend pre-application and monitoring site visits at all types of recipient sites as needed.
The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist may be asked to facilitate team meetings, provide recommendations for improving gopher tortoise regulations and management, create and maintain training materials, train new staff, as well as review, evaluate, and process applications for other permit types as time allows. The selected candidate will conduct site visits to areas protected for gopher tortoise conservation, determine habitat suitability for areas that could be protected in the future, review reports, serve as a backup for other biological staff as needed, and lead priority projects. The selected candidate will serve a key role in shaping changes to Florida's gopher tortoise conservation program, including development and implementation of a new online permitting system and expansion of areas protected for gopher tortoise conservation.
The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. They will assist and collaborate with regional and statewide staff and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation. This position is responsible for informing and responding to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, research, and rules and regulations. This position will stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in team meetings, seminars, outreach events, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWCThe position will require occasional overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule.
• Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, management practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of Florida's upland ecosystems and management of these ecosystems, with emphasis on the needs of the gopher tortoise and its management.
• Strong data management skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, ArcPro, Adobe Acrobat, and GPS Units.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills that include the ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts, as well as the ability to listen and effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with landowners, land managers, foresters, and other staff.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers; ability to present technical information to various audiences.
• Ability to interact with displeased or contentious members of the public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner.
• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, and soils maps.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to travel and spend significant time outdoors in Florida climate conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred):

• Knowledge of Florida landcover classification systems (e.g., FLUCCS, FLCS) and ability to interpret land cover, soils, and survey maps.
• Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of southeastern ecosystems flora and fauna.
• Knowledge of and ability to identify invasive and exotic plants.
• Knowledge and understanding of conservation easements, permitting, and a willingness to expand personal knowledge of the topic.
• Experience in communicating complex information to the public and responding to public inquiries.
• Experience with permitting.
• Ability to use ATVs, 4-wheel drive trucks and handle off-road conditions.

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.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
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