FWC seeking bear response contractors
FWC closeup photo of bear.
Are you interested in black bears and helping people avoid conflicts with them? Do you have a flexible work schedule and have a vehicle that can tow a small trailer? If you answered yes to these questions, you might be a great fit as a bear response contractor for the FWC.
Bear response contractors will be trained to assist with various bear conservation efforts, including but not limited to helping residents and businesses avoid conflicts with bears, collecting information from and disposing of dead bears, and setting and monitoring bear traps. The FWC is looking for multiple contractors to help respond to human-bear conflicts in Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Okaloosa, Orange, Santa Rosa, Seminole, Volusia and Walton counties.
Bear contractors with the FWC will work on an “as needed” basis, which can vary by season, area and year. Contractors are paid per activity rather than hourly. Income from contract activities would therefore only supplement existing income sources.
Interested individuals must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends or holidays; use their own vehicle; have the ability to haul a small trailer and secure their own general liability insurance, which can cost $300 to $1,000 per year.
People interested in becoming a contractor should send their resume, contact information, counties of interest and three professional references, by email to BearManagement@MyFWC.com, or by regular mail to:
FWC - Bear Management Program
620 S. Meridian St. 6A
Tallahassee, FL 32399
For more information on the FWC’s Florida Black Bear Management Program and the bear response contractor program, visit MyFWC.com/Bear.