OPS Fish/wildlife Technician - 77907707

Ops Fish/Wildlife Technician - 77907707

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is a dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative, and committed organization dedicated to the vitality of Florida's environment and its natural resources. Our mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) within the FWC is seeking a full-time Ops Wildlife Health Technician to assist with the field collection and transport of wildlife specimens and samples for necropsy and diagnostic testing. Duties support FWRI wildlife health research and disease surveillance and response in various species including white-tailed deer, carnivores, birds, and herps.

Position responsibilities include:

• Safe and secure transport of wildlife carcasses, samples, and/or equipment statewide for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and other wildlife disease surveillance.
• Assisting in the surveillance for chronic wasting disease by completing road transects, assisting with the freezer custodian program, sampling deer, assisting with carcass disposal, entering data into Survey123, and submitting samples.
• Assisting with the investigation of other wildlife diseases by coordinating with the public, other biologists, and FWH staff to collect carcasses for necropsy.
• Monitoring and reporting all vehicle maintenance needs, submitting fuel receipts and vehicle use logs on time, and maintaining overall cleanliness of vehicle.
• Courteously assisting Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters related to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation, generally. Garnering public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required include:

• Knowledge of office and laboratory procedures and practices.
• Biosafety and biosecurity.
• Defensive driving techniques.
• Traffic rules and regulations.
• Skills in defensive driving, the use of personal computers, spreadsheet, and word processing software, proper handling of chemicals, biosafety, adherence to protocols, data collection, and time management and organization.
• Ability to safely drive pick-up trucks and tow trailers often for long hours around the state, understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, perform detailed work accurately, lift up to 50 lbs., plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with others, communicate effectively verbally and in writing in order to provide excellent customer service to stakeholders, establish and maintain effective working relationships, maintain a valid driver's license, and work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida include comprehensive health coverage, low cost life insurance, OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan, on the job trainings, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) among others.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.