Science Supervisor
Homestead Field Station
3656BR
Job Description
This position will be located at a South Florida Water Management District office facility in our Southern Glades Region based on the selected candidate.
The Land Management Unit within the District’s Land Resources Bureau oversees the planning and implementation of natural resources management functions on District conservation lands. The Everglades Supervising Scientist within the Land Management Unit is a seasoned Scientist position responsible for administering resource and public use land management functions on over 62,500 acres of conservation lands within the District’s Everglades Land Management Region.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Provide direct administrative and supervisory oversight of two (2) full-time employees and assist in the employee recruitment process when needed.
Oversee the planning and implementation of all land management functions including, but not limited to, prescribed burning, contracted exotic plant control activities, mechanical vegetation management, and restoration activities within the Everglades Land Management Region.
Ensure that all land management functions are performed in an effective and efficient manner.
Develop and implement Regional annual operational plans and budgets in accordance with District protocols, track expenditures, monitor progress, and prepare Regional accomplishments reports.
Actively participate in concerted efforts to manage natural resources across political boundaries in South Florida.
Coordinate Regional prescribed fires efforts, operate myriad field equipment, conduct aerial inspections, and provide field staff support.
Where appropriate, recommend process improvements and procedural changes to more effectively and efficiently implement the District’s Strategic Plan.
Occasionally represent the Section and/or Bureau on District taskforces, at interagency meetings, and in public forums.
Incumbent shall possess strong written and oral communication skills and will be expected to work productively in a group setting with co-workers and other agencies. Prior supervisory experience is preferred. Assignments for developmental purposes may include some work that is typical of a higher supervisory or management level.
Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrates knowledge of and skills in:
South Florida ecology and ecological restoration principles
Practical natural resources management
Leadership and personnel management
Diplomacy, relationship building, and customer relations
Oral and written communication and strategic thinking
Consensus and confidence-building
Effective organizational skills
Employment Guidelines (May be filled as a Scientist Senior)
Supervising Scientist: Master's Degree in biology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline and eight (8) or more years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.
Scientist Senior: Master's Degree in biology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline and six (6) or more years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.
Previous experience with a county, state or federal natural resource management agency or a comparable organization whose mission includes the conservation and management of natural resources is preferred. Florida Forest Service Certified Prescribed Burn Manager certification preferred. Prior experience should include two (2) years supervising natural resources management staff or assisting the managing lead of a scientific department.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Licenses
Valid State of Florida Driver’s License. Possession or ability to acquire a State of Florida Forest Service Prescribed Burn Manager Certification within 180 days of hire date.
Physical Requirements/ Working Environment
This position requires a combination of office work with periodic professional or business meetings, and field work with regular exposure to hot, humid, and smoky environments in remote, wet, and/or heavily vegetated areas. Incumbent may be required to lift up to 40 lbs.
Due to the District’s response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.
Veterans’ Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veteran’s Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Salary Minimum
$62,961.60