OPS Fish & Wildife Tech - 77902283

State of Florida; Sneads (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) seeks a motivated OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician to help manage Apalachee Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County, FL. The role focuses on habitat restoration, prescribed fire, and invasive species control to benefit quail, deer, and wild turkey, while supporting public recreation.

The technician will plant food plots, assist with wildlife surveys, and help maintain roads and equipment.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED and 1 year of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related fields.
• Vocational training or an associate’s degree may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with habitat management on Apalachee WMA, including prescribed fire and vegetation control to support wildlife.
• Plant wildlife food plots and dove fields to enhance recreational experiences.
• Collect biological data from hunter harvested game and support wildlife surveys.
• Assist with infrastructure maintenance such as roads, culverts, fences, signs and buildings.

Skills

Prescribed fire

Invasive vegetation control

Heavy equipment operation

Work in various weather

Communication with customers

PC basics

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate degree substitute for experience

Tools

CDL Class A

ATVs/tractors/heavy equipment

Job description

Requisition No: 881683

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish & Wildife Tech - 77902283

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902283

Salary: $18.23 an hour

Posting Closing Date: 09/13/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position Number: 77902283

Position Title: OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician

Pay Rate: $18.23 an hour; 1920 hours a fiscal year

Supervisor: Robert Wielgus for Inquiries: 850-592-5595 / [e-mail]

Broadband Code: 19-4021-01

Position Location: Apalachee WMA

Region: Northwest

County: Jackson

Working Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CT), Monday through Friday. Duties may require some early morning, night or weekend duty and occasional overnight travel.

Residency Requirement: Must reside within a 25-mile radius of Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.

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 decision 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 withing the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma/GED and 1 year 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.

Additional Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess and maintain at minimum a valid Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools. Must obtain a State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License withing 270 days of appointment and maintain license thereafter. Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk or stand for extended time periods, must be able to work at night (occasionally) or in inclement weather. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possesses and maintains a Class A CDL License
• Has successfully completed Florida certified prescribed burn manager training or basic fire management training
• Has at least two years of direct, applied experience in management of Florida natural communities

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire
• Knowledge and experience with chemical and mechanical control of invasive exotic vegetation
• Ability to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy equipment, tractors, farm implements, ATVs, and outboard motors
• Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task
• Ability to communicate effectible with external and internal customers
• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities
• Basic use of personal computers
• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds

Description Of Duties

The FWC’s Northwest Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team consisting of one biologist and one other technician on Apalachee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Jackson County, FL. This position serves as a Fish and Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team of land managers to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The successful candidate will be a key team member responsible for all aspects of management of the WMA including applications of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical vegetation control to manage habitats. Habitat improvement is focused on imperiled and locally important species including, but not limited to northern bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. This position assists with planting of wildlife food plots and dove fields to benefit wildlife and ensure a high-quality recreational experience for area users. The successful candidate will also assist with the collection of biological data from hunter harvested game including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) specimens, as well as the implementation of various wildlife surveys.

Additionally, this position will assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, culverts, fences, gates, signs and buildings. This position will operate, maintain and repair area equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, heavy equipment and various implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.). The incumbent will assist other wildlife management areas as directed and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management. Occasionally, the successful candidate will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

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.