Natural Resources Job Board

 

The Public Hunting Areas (PHA) Biologist is a Career Service position responsible for developing rules and related publications and coordinating with cooperators and stakeholders regarding public hunting and other public uses on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Wildlife and Environmental Areas (WEAs) and Public Small Game Hunting Areas (PSGHAs). This particular position serves within the Commission’s Northwest Region and coordinates closely with the Regional Wildlife Biologist and other regional staff to administer public hunting and public use programs in the region.

Coordinates the process for securing input from staff and cooperators regarding public hunting and other public uses on WMAs, WEAs, and PSGHAs. Compiles input and works with regional staff to resolve problems and develop rule change proposals as needed. Works with the Regional Director to develop rule change proposals submitted by the public. Coordinates with staff across all FWC Divisions, Offices, and Institutes (DOIs) to develop communication strategies to provide information that will effectively promote hunting opportunities, increase participation in hunting programs and activities, and improve awareness and acceptance of hunting rules and regulations.

Coordinates with cooperators, hunters, and other stakeholders to facilitate open communication, implement new hunting opportunities, and resolve problems associated with public hunting and other rules on WMAs, WEAs, and PSGHAs. Coordinates with regional staff to conduct workshops and other meetings with cooperators, organized stakeholder groups, and the general public as needed to address hunting-related issues. Provides customer service to answer questions from the public regarding hunting regulations and public-access rules for lands in the WMA System.

Is responsible for developing hunting-related publications including brochures and maps for WMAs and other public hunting areas. Coordinates the review and editing of other hunting-related documents and web pages such as regional access for Alternative Mobility and Special Use-Vehicle Permits, quota and special-opportunity hunt applications, and the statewide hunting regulations handbook.

Drafts executive orders (EOs) to establish WMAs, WEAs, and PSGHAs into the WMA system and amends EOs to modify existing areas. Develops other EOs to establish rules for PSGHAs and Operation Outdoor Freedom hunts on WMAs and WEAs. Works with other PHA biologists to amend the EO that establishes limited-entry (quota) hunts and permit numbers.

Coordinates with administrative staff to develop and maintain contracts, leases, and cooperative agreements that facilitate hunting programs on public hunting areas in the Northwest Region.

Serves as a member of the Regional Leadership Team and the review committee for issuing Special Use-Other permits in the Northwest Region.

Performs other related work as assigned.