Scientist 4

Okeechobee Service Center

3657BR

Job Description

The office and reporting location for this position will be the Okeechobee Service Center Office located in the city of Okeechobee.

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 Kissimmee River Region Scientist 4 within the Land Management Unit is an experienced Scientist position responsible for administering resource and public use land management functions on over 56,820 acres of conservation and project lands within the District’s Kissimmee/Okeechobee Land Management Region.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Assist with the planning and implementation of all regional land management functions including, but not limited to, prescribed burning, contracted exotic plant control activities, mechanical vegetation management, and restoration activities.

Administer Regional agricultural lease operations and provide field support to ensure the lessees are meeting BMP standards and that District land management objectives are being met.
Assist the District’s Public Use and Wildlife Unit with implementing Regional recreation plans and maintaining public use facilities.
Assist with the development and implementation of Regional annual operational plans and budgets in accordance with District protocols, track expenditures, monitor project progress, and prepare Regional accomplishments reports.
Assist with the coordination of Regional prescribed fires efforts, operate myriad field equipment, conduct aerial inspections, and provide other 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. Assignments for developmental purposes may include some work that is typical of a higher-level scientist position.

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 Scientist 3):
Scientist 4: Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline is preferred and 4+ years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.

Scientist 3: Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline is preferred and 2+ years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.

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 $54,371.20

Salary Midpoint: $64,625.60

Salary Maximum $93,184.00

Organization RS3903932