Location: South Florida
Position: Biological Scientist III (lead area biologist)
Agency: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Job Category: Full Time career service
Salary: $37,867.70 (annually)
Last Date to Apply: 10/22/2021
Description of duties: FWC is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) staff in accomplishing a variety of habitat management goals. Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the land management plan for the WMA; developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring that equipment and infrastructure are properly maintained; providing oversight and participating in hydrologic and vegetative restoration projects; preparing for and conducting wildlife surveys; supporting and conducting public hunts; developing and promoting non-hunting recreational use; and maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using ArcGIS. The incumbent will supervise two full-time technicians, one full-time OPS+ biologist II and a seasonal hunter check station operator.
Dinner Island Ranch WMA is in the heart of old South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. This 21,714-acre WMA is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Florida panther, Florida black bear, bobcat, and American alligator. The habitat is composed of freshwater marshes, mesic hammocks, cypress dome swamps, pine flatwoods, and pasture. Hydrological improvements are underway to improve sheet flow and help restore degraded native habitats. Prescribed burning and invasive exotic plant control are the two primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife. There is also an active cattle lease and citrus grove lease on the WMA.
Qualifications & KSAs: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences is required. Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and exotic plant control. Wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to track spending and monitor budgets. Ability to create scientific reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Ability to interact with stakeholders, co workers, and cooperating agencies in a professional manner. Knowledge of hunting as a wildlife management tool. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Ability to effectively supervise staff. Well-organized, able to communicate effectively, and able to supervise and delegate tasks effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively independently as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized equipment (e.g., swamp buggy, ATV, UTV, tractor).
Residency requirement: Incumbent is required to live in on-site state housing (3-bedroom, 2-bath).
Contact Person: Beth Morford
Contact Phone: (561) 722-2188
Contact email: beth.morford@myfwc.com