Fish/Wildlife Technician - FWC (Felda, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/14/2024 

Location:  Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA 100 CR 832 Felda, FL 33930

Starting pay rate: $1,346.15 bi-weekly + benefits.

Supervisor and Position number: Tanner Mazanec (77072829)

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.

County: Hendry

Residency requirement:  Reside within a 25-mile radius of the Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA Field Office.

Level of education: High School Diploma or GED.

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools. Occasional overnight travel is required.

        Description of duties: 

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.

        The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hendry County, FL. This position serves as a full-time, field-oriented Fish & Wildlife Technician on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors.

        This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of various equipment including trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, tractors and their implements, front end loaders, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. The incumbent must be able to troubleshoot equipment failure issues and follow manufacturer's recommendations for periodic preventative maintenance and fabricate and repair equipment including minor motor repairs and small engine repairs utilizing welders, cutting torches, and other various hand/air tools.  

        Additionally, this position is responsible for infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair, including barbed wire fences, buildings, gates, roads, and signs, and performing custodial functions. The incumbent will assist biologists with various land management activities including prescribed burning, installing firebreaks, and mowing, chemical and mechanical control of invasive and exotic plants. The incumbent will prepare and submit accurate documents such as timesheets and equipment use reports. The incumbent will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game. The incumbent will interact with partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings and various trainings and assist on other management areas as needed.  

        Applicants with a valid Class A CDL and S-130/S-190 wildland fire certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Able to operate, maintain, and repair heavy equipment and associated implements.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.

• Familiar with outdoor recreational activities.

• Skilled in construction activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding.

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices, such as prescribed burning and herbicide use for vegetation control.

• Ability to identify areas of need and improvement in the work environment and come up with creative and effective solutions.

• Ability to navigate using GPS units in the field.

• Basic use of personal computers (including Microsoft Office).

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (e.g., heat, rain, biting insects, rough terrain).

• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds.

• Strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, staff, and diverse public users.

OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - FWC (Tallahassee)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2024 

Salary: $27.30 hourly

Location: Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee

Supervisor: Laura DiGruttolo, Laura.Digruttolo@MyFWC.com

Working hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., not to exceed 40 hours/week

Years of Experience Desired:  3+

Education: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred

% Travel Required:  +/- 30%

A resume and cover letter should be included with the application package.  For question regarding this position, please contact Laura DiGruttolo at Laura.DiGruttolo@MyFWC.com or (850) 728-5147.

Position Description

This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across the State of Florida.  The incumbent will be part of a team that participates in long-term planning processes of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects around the State of Florida.  This position serves as a biologist in the Land Use Planning (LUP) Program in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Office of Conservation Planning Services (CPS).  Biologists in the LUP Program gain in-depth knowledge of Florida's environmental regulations and their practical applications, serve the public, and develop an enhanced understanding of listed species habitats and life histories while helping to shape a sustainable future in Florida.  The position works as part of a talented and diverse team and coordinates with wildlife experts throughout the Agency. 

Duties

This position is responsible for coordination with FDOT and participation in the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process, wildlife permitting, special initiatives related to imperiled species management, and assisting in the training of transportation professionals.  Work involves regular coordination with FDOT, other biologists and wildlife experts throughout FWC, and stakeholders internal and external to the agencies.  This is an office-based position with occasional overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours.  Specific duties include:

• Project review and technical assistance ahead of regulatory processes.

• Acting as a liaison, providing responsive communication, and developing standard operating procedures for working with FDOT and other agencies.

• Developing, coordinating, and/or implementing management actions, outreach and communication products, study designs, and monitoring programs.

• Review of protected wildlife species conservation permit applications in accordance with FWC rules and regulations and administrative timelines, including reviewing applications for completion and sufficiency and other related functions.

• Coordinating conservation actions for the implementation of the FWC Imperiled Species Management Plan in transportation planning and roadway construction.

• Developing and maintaining effective communications between FWC divisions, sections, and work units.

• Handling issues that may be high profile or controversial independently.

• Representing FWC at meetings and conferences.

Desired Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences, or other closely related curriculum.  A graduate degree and two years of professional experience is preferred.  Specialized experience and education in wildlife biology, land management, upland and wetland ecology, environmental impact review and assessment, transportation, or other related areas is preferred.  Above all, the successful applicant will be self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to excellence in customer service.  Candidates must demonstrate:

• Experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and managing conflict with excellent communication skills.

• Proficiency in technical report writing.

• An understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs.

• Experience with imperiled species or their habitats.

• Knowledge of natural resources conservation practices.

• Working knowledge of transportation project planning, principles of wildlife crossing design, and related environmental reviews.

• Working knowledge of federal and state-wide natural resources regulations and environmental permitting processes.

• Experience in using GIS software.

OPS F & W Biological Scientist II - FWC (Ft. Myers)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/10/2024 

Salary: $20.84/hour (not to exceed 1,920 hours per year); 40 Hours a week

Level of Education: Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in life or physical sciences.

Region: Southwest

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, occasional nights and weekend required. Overnight travel may be required.

Address: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Wildlife Impact Management Section, 1922 Victoria Ave. Unit B Fort Myers, FL 33901

Supervisor: Vance Young, Wildlife Impact Management Section, Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Biologist IV

Minimum Qualifications: Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. A valid Florida driver’s license required once employee begins work. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Description of Position:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to help address nonnative fish and wildlife in Florida.  Primary responsibilities of this position focus on management efforts and Early Detection Rapid Response for high priority nonnative species, including, but not limited to large constrictors, lizards, amphibians, birds and mammals in the South and Southwest region of Florida. Particular focus will include high priority reptiles such as Argentine black and white tegus, Nile monitors, and Burmese pythons. The incumbent will conduct work on public and private land and will be responsible for maintaining good working relations with the public and with partners to help address invasive species issues in Florida.

Primary duties will include:

• Helping design trapping projects with live traps and camera traps;

• Opening and closing live traps in urban and rural locations on a daily basis, maintaining bait in traps, releasing by-catch from trapping efforts unharmed, safely and humanely removing nonnative wildlife from traps, live trap repair and construction;

• Maintaining camera traps in urban and rural locations on a weekly basis;

• Responding to reports of priority nonnative wildlife and removing invasive, potentially dangerous wildlife using other methods, including hand capture, air rifles, firearms, snake hooks, noose poles, net guns, etc.;

• Caring for captive animals used for education and training;

• Assisting with operation of the Exotic Species Hotline by answering phone calls from the public and documenting reports of nonnative wildlife observations in a database;

• Planning survey routes and conducting surveys for nonnative wildlife;

• Humanely killing nonnative wildlife using approved methods;

• Collecting, entering, and organizing data on all field activities into the Section’s database;

• Working with private landowners and other land managers to access new monitoring and trapping locations, and coordinating with other agencies and organizations also managing these species;

• Conducting educational outreach activities and presentations upon request;

• Running safe-capture python training events for natural resource professionals and members of the public;

• Maintaining and entering vehicles logs, using a state purchasing card and submitting purchase receipts;

• Maintaining and tracking other equipment and firearms stored at the Fort Myers office;

• Responding to other wildlife conflict issues as needed.

This position will include extensive driving of state vehicles throughout the South and Southwest Regions (especially Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties), working independently, and requires an ability to trouble-shoot in the field. Knowledge of nonnative reptiles in Florida and experience handling nonnative wildlife kept as pets and potentially dangerous wildlife is preferred.

Additional duties may include:

• Documenting activities in written summary reports using basic statistical analyses, graphs, and tables;

• Serving on committees and teams as appropriate and attending meetings, workshops, and conferences;

• Helping to supervise volunteers and interns assisting with nonnative wildlife management activities;

• Assisting Section staff with public workshops and other stakeholder engagement;

• Assisting with preparation of educational and outreach activities and trainings on nonnative wildlife issues;

• Conduct other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff in the region.

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation;

• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;

• Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service; 

• Familiarity with nonnative species issues;

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints;

• Ability to drive a 4WD truck off-road;

• Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives;

• Ability to troubleshoot and assist the public while communicating over the phone.

Desired qualifications include:

• Experience handling wildlife;

• Experience with wildlife trapping techniques;

• Experience with public speaking;

• Demonstrated working knowledge and experience handling and caring for captive wildlife; 

• Ability to identify native and nonnative wildlife in Florida;

• Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision when needed;

• Computer experience (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and Outlook);

• Experience operating a motorized boat and driving a trailer;

• Ability to travel less than 25%.

OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Lake City)

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Posting Closing Date: 09/27/2024 

OPS-Amount of Hours Worked Per Fiscal Year: 1,920

OPS Hourly Rate/FTE Biweekly Rate of Pay: $23.44

Supervisor: Samantha Johnston

Physical Address: North Central Regional Office. 3377 E. U.S. Highway 90, Lake City, FL 32055-8795.

Region: North Central

County: Columbia

Working hours: 8 am – 5 pm

Description of Duties:

This is a scientific and public-facing position to facilitate volunteer and participatory science engagement while leading conservation-based projects for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The successful applicant will serve as a Volunteer Program Biologist within the Public Access Services Office in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This position is stationed at the North Central Regional Office in Lake City, FL, with opportunities to support projects across all divisions.

This position provides direct volunteer coordination for conservation projects, while working collaboratively with a wide range of biologists, land managers and stakeholders. The position supports projects on a wide range of species and habitats found in the north central region of Florida. The Volunteer Program Biologist designs, plans, implements, and monitors conservation projects that use volunteers; recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for these projects; and provides volunteer management support and participatory science best practices to FWC’s land managers and biologists. The Volunteer Program Biologist also networks partners to implement conservation projects that use volunteers on public and private lands.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, self-motivated individual committed to conservation. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational, leadership, community development, project design, and communication skills; and will demonstrate dedication to the FWC’s mission and conservation of Florida’s fish, wildlife, and habitat resources. Broad-based working knowledge of local ecology and a variety of Florida’s non-game species across multiple taxa is preferred.

Duties:

• Data Collection, Analysis and Synthesis:

  • Designs and/or implements survey protocols for threatened and endangered wildlife.

  • Monitors and evaluates long-term conservation projects that use volunteers, including participatory science projects.

  • Implements adaptive management strategies to achieve project goals.

• Coordination:

  • Designs, leads, and manages multiple concurrent conservation projects that involve volunteers.

  • Directs the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers and accurate volunteer documentation.

  • Ensures volunteers are appropriately trained to meet rigorous scientific protocol standards.

  • Develops and maintains partnerships with external agencies and organizations to implement conservation projects that use volunteers on public and private lands.

  • Plans and implements volunteer recognition events.

• Program Development and Administration:

  • Works closely with the FWC Volunteer Program Manager as well as the other regional Volunteer Program Biologists to develop and promote the FWC Volunteer Program.

  • Counsels FWC staff on volunteer and participatory science best management practices.

  • Participates as an active member of the FWC’s Volunteer Standing Team.

  • Participates as an active member of habitat and species working groups or strategic teams as needed.

  • Prepares quarterly and annual reports and other reports as needed.

  • Creates content for the FWC Volunteers Facebook page and volunteer newsletter.

  • Presents at regional and statewide meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.

  • Assists with volunteer data management and tracking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in a volunteer leadership or management role.

• Broad-based working knowledge of a variety of non-game Florida species across multiple taxa.

• Knowledge of the ecosystems of Florida (or Southeastern United States), wildlife management practices, and conservation threats.

• Ability to analyze biological data and to report it in a scientific manner.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to set and meet deadlines.

• Ability to communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, both independently and as part of a team.

• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective oral and written communication skills including public speaking and preparing multi-media presentations.

• Ability to effectively use computer programs to conduct work duties (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access).

• Knowledge of database management and/or GIS software programs.

• Knowledge of social media applications.

• Ability and willingness to travel overnight and during the day for projects, meetings, and workshops. Travel for day trips as well as overnight travel within a 200-mile radius and beyond the boundaries of the FWC’s North Central Region, as well as travel throughout the state and out of the state for conferences. Approximately 25%-50% of this position’s time includes travel, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings, as necessary.

• Ability to work outdoors conducting land management activities in remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances.

• Ability to operate power tools safely, including chainsaws, and to train and supervise volunteers performing fieldwork to adhere to safety guidelines and precautions.

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science. Preferred with social science/business management coursework AND 1-3 years volunteer management experience. Experience in the field of wildlife biology can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Carrabelle, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/25/2024 

Salary:  $22.15/hour

County: Franklin

Working hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty.

Location: 290 Airport Road, Carrabelle, FL 32322

Supervisor: Michelle Rice

Subordinates supervised: 1 OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician and 1 Seasonal OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician (Intern).

Residency requirement: Florida, must reside within a 25 mile radius of Tate’s Hell WMA

Level of Education: Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in a life or physical science

License Requirements: Minimum of a Class E Florida driver’s license and obtain and maintain Florida Certified Burn Manager Certification.

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Northwest Region Wildlife and Habitat Management Section is seeking a highly motivated biologist to work with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Florida Forest Service (FFS), NGOs, and other stakeholders to manage natural communities and wildlife resources at Tate’s Hell, and Apalachicola Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The incumbent, under the direct supervision of the District Wildlife Biologist, coordinates and consults with FFS and USFS regarding resource and wildlife management practices including natural community restoration, imperiled species management, timber harvesting, public access, prescribed burning, and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Leads adaptive efforts to restore red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat, establish new recruitment clusters, and monitor the RCW population and recruitment success at Tate’s Hell WMA (e.g. tree inventory, fledgling checks, artificial cavity installation).

Assists with the application of habitat management activities including prescribed burning, timber thinning, longleaf pine restoration, mechanical and chemical control of native and exotic vegetation, and supplemental planting for wildlife. Conducts monitoring and data collection/analysis for locally important and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols. Conducts population surveys including Northern bobwhite covey call counts and deer spotlight/distance sampling. Works with the Agency’s Bear Management Program and local officials to assist with nuisance bear/wildlife issues. Conducts vegetation surveys as needed and monitors vegetation response to habitat manipulations. Assists land management partners with planning and development of projects to facilitate public use including public hunts and recreational use programs (e.g. collection of biological data from harvested animals, data analysis/reporting, permitting, rule change proposals, commenting, and review, public user engagement).

Performs administrative duties including supervision of employees in accordance with Agency policies and procedures, contract and budget management, project reporting, equipment maintenance, and assists lead agencies with maintenance of public use infrastructure (e.g. roads, parking areas, kiosks, picnic facilities, trails, boat ramps, water control structures, fences, gates). Collaborates with staff at other conservation areas, provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies, and participates in team meetings, seminars, and workshops related to wildlife resource management.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys including game and nongame species, analyzing data, and summarizing results. Experience with the use of ArcGIS and GPS and its application. Possess proficient writing skills. Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles and ATVs. Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds. Experience with supervision of others on the job. Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers. Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Strong land management skills are required to evaluate habitat conditions and to plan, prescribe and complete appropriate habitat treatments. Applicant must have applied knowledge of wildlife populations and habitat management techniques in Florida. GIS and other technological skills are also requisite for this level of land management. Job requirements therefore consist of the KSAs described above, or a solid foundation of habitat management in Florida, coupled with the motivation, initiative, and proclivity to develop and apply the KSAs listed above. 

OPS Employment – This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff have the potential for health insurance benefits and participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program.

Fisheries and Wildlife Bio Administrator I - FWC (Tallahassee)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2024 

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO ADMINISTRATOR I - SES – 77072819 TALLAHASSEE

DESCRIPTION:

FWC-Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Analysis and Rulemaking

Location:                     1875 Orange Ave E. Tallahassee, FL  32311 

Supervisor:                 Erika Burgess

Salary:  $60,000 - $65,000 annual/$2,307.69 - $2,500.00 bi-weekly plus benefits

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time.  Some travel is required and may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Minimum qualifications:  Bachelor of Science degree and a minimum of four years professional experience in life or physical science, or a Master of Science degree and a minimum of two years professional experience in life or physical sciences preferred. Years of professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities provided herein may substitute on a year for year basis for the required education.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Leads development of rules or rule revisions, management strategies, and other policy documents related to oyster management.

• Works closely with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Division of Habitat Species Conservation, the Division of Law Enforcement and other relevant FWC Divisions and Offices to identify and address issues related to oysters.

• Serves as liaison with state and federal agencies on issues affecting Florida’s oyster resource.

• Develops technical papers and presentations regarding Florida’s wild oyster resource and participates in rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions. 

• Conducts public workshops on issues relating to Florida’s oyster fishery.

• Advises internal and external partners on oyster restoration and cultching projects.

• Reviews, synthesizes, and interprets relevant fisheries information (e.g., habitat mapping and monitoring data, shell budget analysis, life history information, regulation history, stakeholder feedback, scientific literature) to inform management recommendations and Commission rulemaking.

• Coordinates research projects that are relevant to fisheries management decisions.

• Leads development of strategic outreach plans related to management of the wild oyster resource.

• Coordinates with commercial and recreational harvesters and other stakeholders to collect and disseminate information about the oyster resource

• Supervises two FTE staff.

• Responsible for ensuring all work products of direct reports are maintained to the highest possible scientific, technical, and professional standards.

• Responsible for hiring, supervising, evaluating, and leading direct reports.

• Responsible for ensuring direct reports undergo continual professional development.

• Provides support to Section Leaders, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments.

• Performs other duties as required.

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible.  Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources.  Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs.  When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of oyster biology, fishery, cultching, restoration, and habitat. Knowledge of general biological principles and knowledge of marine fisheries management issues and topics; Excellent verbal and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills including ability to write descriptively and concisely; Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning; Ability to synthesize highly technical information for public dissemination; Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze and organize marine resource (especially fisheries) information into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents and other written materials and for a variety of audiences; Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments; Ability to conduct fact finding research and utilize problem solving techniques; Ability to review and interpret fisheries regulations; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people; Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Supervisory experience preferred. Must be willing and able to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and SharePoint required. Knowledge of habitat conservation and management approaches is essential. Analytical skills for managing, analyzing, and summarizing large datasets. Skills in GIS preferred. Ability to lead and collaborate with colleagues from multiple disciplines. Ability to think independently and imaginatively. Ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including commercial harvesters, anglers, boaters, stakeholders, scientists, and managers. Ability to think strategically and apply strategy to achieve long-term and complex goals. Ability to design and accomplish projects within the framework of the larger strategic vision. Must be a self-starter. 

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Kenansville, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/11/2024 

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly plus benefits

Location: 1231 Prairie Lakes Road, Kenansville FL  34739 (407)436-1009

Region: Northeast

County: Osceola

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.

Supervisor: Biological Administrator I

List of any subordinates supervised:  Full-time employees: 2 Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IIs, 4 Fish/Wildlife Technicians, and full-time and seasonal OPS employees as necessary.

Residency requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the Three Lakes WMA entrance.

Level of Education: Preferred bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences

Description of duties:  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.   This position is located in the Wildlife Habitat Management section.  The Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Lead Area Biologist on the 65,333 acre Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Osceola County, Florida. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section and is responsible for habitat management and restoration activities including application of prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and exotic plant management throughout the area. The position will lead a team of 8 full-time employees as well as several seasonal positions to accomplish FWC objectives on the WMA. Upon completing a prescribed burn mentorship program, the successful candidate will lead an active prescribed burn team that burns approximately 20,000 acres per year to maintain and restore a variety of natural communities including mesic and wet flatwoods and dry and wet prairie to benefit game, non-game and imperiled wildlife and plant species. This position will coordinate with other sections within FWC and partner agencies to assist with recovery efforts of the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow. This position leads active monitoring programs for threatened and locally important species including Bachman’s sparrow, northern bobwhite, bats, and red-cockaded woodpecker. Job duties will also include planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public recreational opportunities including public hunt management, infrastructure establishment and maintenance, and other land management tasks as needed.  

This position is responsible for assisting with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, project specifications, area regulations, and reports. In addition, the applicant will interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Occasional travel is required to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills, be able to work well with team members and interact positively with stakeholders and cooperators. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledgeable in principles of wildlife ecology and habitat management

• Knowledge of the common and imperiled species of Florida

• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and experience with application of prescribed fire

• Knowledge and experience with chemical or mechanical control of invasive exotic vegetation

• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members

• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarize biological data

• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing

• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications

• Knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS and its application to land management and surveys

• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions

• Ability to operate 4WD vehicles and ATVs

• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including 10-12 hour days as necessary