OPS Biological Scientist II - FWC (Saint Petersburg, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 01/24/2025 

$20.50 per hour

100 8th St SE

Saint Petersburg, FL

Minimum Qualifications:
5 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Field work - Participate in field sampling trips in all estuarine and marine environments including offshore locations or in terrestrial wetland and upland ecosystems throughout the state. Trips may range from 1 to 14 days. Assist in capture of fish specimens by various means including nets, hook and line, and fish traps. Assist in capture and field health sampling of live herpetological and avian species including hand capture and trapping. Conduct shipboard necropsies on fish to collect samples and data for life history and health investigations. Properly document and sample gross abnormalities observed to affect fish, avian, and herpetological specimens. Investigate aquatic animal and avian and herpetological health and mortality events as needed. Assist with carcass collection and transfer between field and laboratory. Operate water quality monitoring instruments and record observational data on paper and electronically. Lab work - Process tissues for lipid analyses, histology, and other similar assays. Evaluate histological sections of fish gonads to score for reproductive stage and differential blood cell counts. Evaluate fish tissues and organ rinses under dissecting microscopes to isolate, enumerate, identify, and properly fix parasites. Conduct necropsies and health evaluations including both specimen dissection and data recording. Assist in microbiological and molecular work as needed including DNA extraction and qPCR assays. Laboratory upkeep and organization. Maintain specimen inventory (fixed and frozen tissues). Submit samples to laboratories for diagnostics.

Office work - Process and assist in the analysis of parasitological, pathological, environmental, geospatial, and life history data of fish, avian, and herpetological species. Assist with data entry and proofing. Assist in preparation of proposals, technical reports, scientific publications, and annual and 5-year reports. Assist with literature reviews and update and maintain the FWH EndNote database. Assist in development of protocols. Answer the Fish Kill Hotline as needed and provide high quality customer service by responding to information requests and thoroughly documenting details of public reports. Responsible for the timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors. Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements for Section 215.422, F.S., related State Comptroller's rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. Courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation generally.  Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Fish anatomy and identification

Fundamentals of fish necropsy

Animal health and disease concepts for aquatic and terrestrial species

Histological processing techniques

Scientific Method; terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing

General procedures, techniques and equipment used in biological laboratory testing and analysis

Basic methods of relevant field and laboratory data collection

Skill in:

Light microscopy

DNA Extraction and PCR

Organization and time management

Basic laboratory skills including proper handling of chemicals, biosafety, adherence to protocols, analytical measurements, data collection

Use of relevant field equipment (seines, trawls, water quality instruments, etc.)

Ability to:

Participate in inshore and offshore field sampling under harsh environmental conditions which may include extended cruises up to 14 days long during which non-emergency shore communication may be impossible and sea conditions may pose a serious health risk to individuals who are prone to motion sickness

Comfortably use microscopes for several hours over the course of each week

Work nights and weekends as needed

Conduct biological research, studies or analyses using sound scientific methods and techniques

Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments with others

Analyze data using spreadsheet, graphing, and statistical software

Use Microsoft Office platforms, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Work effectively both independently and as a member of a team

Pull seine nets and lift up to 40 lbs.

Travel for fish kill investigation and sample collection in remote locations

Understand and abide by applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to this position

Maintain a valid driver’s license

Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 01/29/2025 

Bi-Weekly Salary: $24.04 an hour

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, a flexible work schedule may be authorized

List of Subordinates Supervised:  None

City: Tallahassee preferred, other locations considered

Region: Leon County preferred, other locations considered

Location: Russell Park, other FWC’s offices may be considered

Residency Requirement: No

% Travel Required:  +/- 25%

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: Valid Driver’s License

Supervisor: Pamela Gruver

Desired Minimum Requirements:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Office of Conservation Planning Services.

A bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum, graduate degree and two years of professional experience preferred.  Candidates must have experience writing and reviewing technical documents, must have experience with imperiled species or their habitats, and should be familiar with land use or wildlife permits.  Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and be able to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills.  Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service. 

In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, please attach a resume and cover letter. This letter should at minimum explain your interest in the specific position and identify your most relevant skills and experiences. For questions regarding this position, please contact Pamela Gruver at Pamela.Gruver@MyFWC.com or by phone at (850) 617-6034.

Description of Duties: 

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. The position is located within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, in the Office of Conservation Planning Services.  The position is a critical member of FWC’s gopher tortoise conservation program, working to conserve Florida’s only native tortoise and is responsible for gopher tortoise recipient site conservation through permitting. This is an office-based position with field work opportunities.

The main function of this position is to provide expertise and coordinate gopher tortoise recipient site permitting statewide. This position will review both public and private recipient site applications, will work closely with Compliance and Monitoring staff working on pre-application materials and site visits, and will have primary responsibility for the review and processing of recipient site permit applications in conjunction with their team. This position will review area management plans, work with Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) staff on easement and title review, work with Landowner Assistance Program staff on the review of vegetation and population monitoring surveys, and help draft MOU/MOA’s as needed. This position will be the primary point of contact for customers on recipient site issues once they submit their applications, and responsive customer service to applicants, landowners, and their representatives is a key responsibility. They may also attend pre-application and monitoring site visits at all types of recipient sites as needed.

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist may be asked to facilitate team meetings, provide recommendations for improving gopher tortoise regulations and management, create and maintain training materials, train new staff, as well as review, evaluate, and process applications for other permit types as time allows. The selected candidate will conduct site visits to areas protected for gopher tortoise conservation, determine habitat suitability for areas that could be protected in the future, review reports, serve as a backup for other biological staff as needed, and lead priority projects. The selected candidate will serve a key role in shaping changes to Florida’s gopher tortoise conservation program, including development and implementation of a new online permitting system and expansion of areas protected for gopher tortoise conservation.

The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. They will assist and collaborate with regional and statewide staff and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation. This position is responsible for informing and responding to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, research, and rules and regulations. This position will stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in team meetings, seminars, outreach events, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWC. The position will require occasional overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule.

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, management practices and techniques.

• Knowledge of Florida's upland ecosystems and management of these ecosystems, with emphasis on the needs of the gopher tortoise and its management.

• Strong data management skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, ArcPro, Adobe Acrobat, and GPS Units.

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills that include the ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts, as well as the ability to listen and effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with landowners, land managers, foresters, and other staff.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers; ability to present technical information to various audiences.

• Ability to interact with displeased or contentious members of the public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner.

• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, and soils maps.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to travel and spend significant time outdoors in Florida climate conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred):

• Knowledge of Florida landcover classification systems (e.g., FLUCCS, FLCS) and ability to interpret land cover, soils, and survey maps.

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.

• Knowledge of southeastern ecosystems flora and fauna.

• Knowledge of and ability to identify invasive and exotic plants.   

• Knowledge and understanding of conservation easements, permitting, and a willingness to expand personal knowledge of the topic.

• Experience in communicating complex information to the public and responding to public inquiries.

• Experience with permitting.

• Ability to use ATVs, 4-wheel drive trucks and handle off-road conditions.

Apalachicola Shorebird Biologist - Audubon Florida (Apalachicola, FL)

APPLY ONLINE HERE!

Audubon Florida seeks a Biologist, with shorebird identification, boat handling, and other specialized skills in the field of coastal bird biology to lead nesting season and nonbreeding season shore and seabird conservation work in the Eastern Florida Panhandle.  They will work remotely in the Apalachicola region of southern Franklin County and travel to complete most of the work on and around beaches and islands including Little St. George Island, Dog Island, multiple Critical Wildlife Areas, and other sites as assigned. These represent the breeding areas for 10+ species of beach nesting birds and are an important wintering and stopover area to migratory shorebirds. Field work will be primarily conducted on barrier islands and the biologist will work independently, exercising discretion and sound judgement to complete surveys safely in variety of weather and water conditions. From February to August, or later if nesting activity continues (breeding season), this position will be responsible for organizing and leading-nesting bird monitoring and protection. From mid-August through mid-February (“non-breeding season”) this position will be responsible for completing biweekly winter coastal bird surveys and banded bird resighting focusing on Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Snowy Plover.

Compensation: $44,812.80 - $47,611.20 / year

Essential Functions

• Monitor nesting birds, conduct counts of shorebirds and seabirds during the nesting season.

• Conduct surveys for and resight banded shorebirds and seabirds during non-nesting season.

• Post and adjust symbolic fencing at the beginning of breeding season and when new nest sites are located. Remove symbolic fencing at the end of breeding or as needed to avoid damage from storms.

• Manage data, including contributing to the Florida Shorebird Database, other state databases, and interpret data for grant reports and other technical reports and presentations.

• Interpret data and exercise sound judgement to make predation management recommendation and minimize disturbance to birds.

• Safely operate and oversee maintenance of field equipment, including vehicles, boats, and trailers.

• Establish and maintain partnerships with communities and partner agencies

• Train volunteers and manage volunteer participation in coastal bird stewardship.

• Train new team members in bird identification, nest searching, and equipment use and safety.

• Provide required certification training for permitted Bird Monitors.

• Participate in partner meetings and working groups including delivering technical presentations.

• Contribute photographs and short stories for use on the Audubon website and in social media.

• Give presentations about monitoring and stewardship activities and lead bird outings or boat tours.

• Lead outreach at community events to engage the public about shore and seabirds.

• Independently complete specialized field tasks, while maintaining regular communication with supervisor, teammates, supporting partner organization, and administrative staff.

• Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required.

• 3 years/seasons demonstrated advanced specialized skill in bird identification and performing demographic bird surveys using rigorous protocols is required. At least 2 years of experience with shorebird or seabird identification and rigorous surveys required.

• Specialized skill and experience operating and maintaining boats with trailer launch in challenging nearshore marine conditions or equivalent experience in freshwater environments required.

• Advanced skill in collecting and interpreting data and data entry using Microsoft Excel and Access.

• Demonstrated experience problem-solving, interpreting data to make decisions, and exercising independent judgement while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills and great attention to detail required.

• Kayak paddling experience in nearshore marine or open-water conditions is a plus.

• Superior communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and with multiple stakeholder groups.

• Team-focused attitude and the ability to work well independently as well as with others required.

• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain with or without accommodation. 

• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed, in hot humid field conditions.

• Valid Driver’s License required.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

OPS Biological Scientist IV - FWC (TBD, FL)

To apply and view more details, click here.

Posting Closing Date: 02/02/2025 

Office/Section: Conservation Planning Services, Land Use Planning Program

Location: Vero Beach or Fort Myers TBD

Facility: TBD

Supervisor: Ginger Feagle

Salary: $24.04 / hour

Working hours:  8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 40 hours/week

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Years of Experience Desired:  3+ preferred

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

 % Travel Required:  +/- 25%

Description of Duties:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Office of Conservation Planning Services.

This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a wide variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across 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.  LUP biologists work as part of a talented and diverse team and coordinate with wildlife experts throughout the Agency.

CPS provides technical assistance to a wide array of private and public sector landowners and local, state, and federal governmental entities on conservation-related issues.  The LUP Program coordinates collaborative consultations for large land use planning efforts that have the potential to impact fish and wildlife resources, particularly those that anticipate going through a regulatory process (Environmental Resource Permits, Section 404, Siting Coordination, County Comprehensive Plan amendments, major watershed initiatives, etc.).  This position will provide technical assistance to stakeholders and partner agencies for land use planning activities and is responsible for tracking, reviewing, and commenting on a variety of complex applications related to changes in land use and environmental permitting.  This position will also focus on partnerships and planning, including reducing impacts to Florida’s imperiled species, reducing habitat fragmentation, and reducing the potential for human-wildlife conflict, including identification of project mitigation that contributes to landscape level conservation objectives.

To excel in this role, the successful candidate must have an understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs, as well as a practical knowledge of native habitat management and recovery techniques suited to various Florida landscapes.  Proficiency in technical writing and the use of GIS software is essential, and candidates will be expected to demonstrate these skills during the interview process.  Ideal candidates will have mastered these knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Much of the work in this position will be conducted from an office during regular business hours, and biologists in the LUP Program enjoy a relatively predictable work schedule with the flexibility to attend site visits or assist other FWC staff in the field when appropriate.  Occasional long days and overnight travel are expected.  Agency supported and individual-specific training will be made available to the person in this position as needed. 

Desired Minimum Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum, graduate degree and two years of professional experience preferred.  Candidates must have experience writing and reviewing technical documents, must have experience with imperiled species or their habitats, and should be familiar with land use applications and/or permits.  Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and be able to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills.  Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service.  

A cover letter and resume must be included with the application package.  For questions regarding this position, please contact Ginger Feagle at Ginger.Feagle@MyFWC.com or by phone at (386) 586-8249.

OPS Biological Scientist IV (GIS Specialist) - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

To apply and view more details, click here.

Posting Closing Date: 01/19/2025 

Salary: $26.04 per hour, max. 1,920 hours per year

Direct Supervisor: David Nicholson 

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

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Address: Russell Park Building, 1875 Orange Ave East, Tallahassee FL 32311

Description of Duties: The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two Offices. This exciting and highly technical position primarily provides ArcGIS and data management support to the Wildlife and Habitat Management (WHM) section. This position will be part of a team of employees within the WHM Habitat Assessment and Restoration Program (HARP) that works to support the management of FWC managed lands statewide in achieving enhanced wildlife management outcomes.

The successful candidate will need to have detailed knowledge and experience with geographic information systems (ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online), database management, large data set maintenance for various end users, and data summarization/visualization. Primary job responsibilities will include providing direct support to the Habitat Restoration Coordination and Objective-based Vegetation Management (OBVM) programs; upload, creation, maintenance, modeling, and analysis of land management and natural community data; development and maintenance of various ArcGIS Online (AGOL) dashboards and other tools for planning and monitoring of land management activities on FWC-managed lands; assisting with maintaining and managing the Land Management Information System (LMIS) and associated modules (Area Managers Tool, Survey and Monitoring Protocols, and TechStaff); assisting and/or training WHM staff and others in the use of ArcGIS and the various AGOL dashboards; extracting, compiling, and summarizing data; creating maps and shapefiles; drafting reports; and developing user manuals and/or conducting various webinars for training purposes. The successful candidate will need to be able to function as a positive and productive team member, have the ability to multi-task while working on multiple projects simultaneously, and have good written and verbal communication skills.

Incumbent will also be responsible for submitting required administrative reports, assisting with the development of annual work plans, accomplishment reports, and budget requests, assisting with special projects, and other duties as assigned. 

Required knowledge, skills and abilities: Detailed knowledge and experience with ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and database development and management. Experience with or ability to learn python (arcpy). Experience with managing, summarizing, and analyzing large data sets. Ability to draft reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Knowledge of land management techniques and Florida natural communities or willingness and ability to learn. Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications. Be well-organized and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task under a heavy workload. Must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively unsupervised as well as function as a productive team member. Ability to occasionally work outdoors under harsh weather conditions. Ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours as necessary to attend trainings, workshops, or meetings.

Level of Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the physical or life sciences or geography/GIS preferred. Four years of direct experience with the duties of this position may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree. Preference will be given to applicants that have direct experience with ArcGIS, combined with knowledge of Florida’s natural communities and/or experience with wildlife and/or land management.

Other 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. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Assistant Land Manager - Archbold Biological Station (Venus, FL)

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Apply by February 27, 2025.

Summary

Archbold Biological Station is hiring two Assistant Land Managers to work on our new Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team. The positions are for those seeking regular participation in prescribed burns and invasive plant management on Archbold lands and those of a broad set of partner organizations throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades (>4000 square miles in central Florida) and the coincident Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. Opportunities may exist for the right candidate to contribute to Archbold land management planning and strategy. These positions are initially funded for 3 years with significant chances of extension, pending funding. 
 

Full-time on-site work is required, given the field-based nature of the position. Candidates should anticipate frequent day travel from Archbold to natural areas around the Headwaters of the Everglades. 

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Joshua Daskin, Director of Conservation, by February 27, 2025. 

The start date is anticipated for early April 2025, with some flexibility.  

Required Education and Experience

• A high school degree or GED AND frequent engagement in prescribed or wildland fire operations during at least 2 years of full-time work or volunteer experience—or it’s part-time equivalent—in land management.
   OR

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in an environmental, science, or natural resources management field AND frequent engagement in prescribed or wildland fire operations during at least 1 year of full-time work or volunteer experience—or it’s part-time equivalent—in land management.

 Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Not all competencies are required to excel in this position. Please consider applying if you fit several or most qualifications. 

• Holds a current Florida Forest Service Certified Burner credential OR has completed NWCG courses S-130, S-190, L-180, IS-700, and I-100. 

• Candidates with a current NWCG Red Card, pack test at the arduous level, and certification as FFT2 or at a higher NWCG level will be looked on favorably, but these credentials are not required. 

• Knowledge of safe prescribed burning practices. 

• With instruction, able to read and understand burn prescriptions to implement safe and effective fire operations. 

• Able to operate ignition and fire suppression equipment including pumps, hoses, hand tools, and drip torches. 

• Capable operator of 4WD vehicles (trucks, ATVs, and UTVs); able or willing to learn to tow small trailers. 

• With guidance, can identify invasive plants, and is willing to use herbicide to control them. 

• Adheres to the highest standards of professionalism when interacting Archbold staff, neighbors, and partners, and contributes to a culture of safety and risk management. 

• An understanding of and commitment to Archbold’s mission. 

• Excited to work with scientists, conservationists, ranchers, politicians, land use planners, and others to advance ambitious, creative conservation goals. 

• Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing. 

• Excels at performing assigned tasks independently and as part of a team, with accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Possesses a valid drivers’ license with a good driving record, as determined by Archbold’s insurance carrier.  

• Experience and proficiency in the use of computers and standard software (e.g. Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, web searches). 

Additional helpful competencies, NOT required 

• Vehicle, pump, and small engine maintenance. 

• Operation of heavy equipment including mowers and tractors. 

• Experience writing habitat management plans. 

• Basic GIS mapping abilities. 

• Grant-writing. 

• Contract management. 

• Familiarity with and/or a network of colleagues with environmental local, state, and/or federal agencies and non-profits in the Headwaters of the Everglades. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow policies and procedures for operation of the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team. 

• Implement the full set of practices for prescribed burns on Archbold property from unit and fire break preparation to ensuring completion of mop-up. 

• Provide personnel and equipment in support of prescribed fire on public agency lands throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades to accomplish at least 7000 acres of prescribed burns and 80 acres of Old World Climbing Fern treatments annually. 

• Participate in a culture of safety and risk reduction at all times. 

• Cooperate with Archbold and partner staff. 

• Maintain state and/or federal fire management credentials. 

• Assist in seeking out and coordinating responses to public agency needs for personnel and equipment support for prescribed fire and invasive plant management throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades and the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. 

• If qualified, write burn prescriptions and obtain Florida Forest Service permits for burns at Archbold and adhere to partners’ burn prescriptions. 

• Ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in clean and working condition. 

• Track crew activities for grant reporting and management of Archbold fire science datasets. 

• Occasionally attend regional partnership meetings to share work of the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team. 

• Communicate difficulties or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner and be responsive to requests for information work activities and performance. 

• Conduct invasive plant surveys and treatments on Archbold and partners’ properties. 

• Complete fire break preparations using mower, brush cutter, and tractor at Archbold properties. 

• Understand and contribute to accomplishing the management goals of Archbold Biological Station and Archbold Reserve. 

• As needed, contribute to Archbold weather, photo point, hydrology, and lake monitoring, providing redundancy for the management of associated long-term datasets. 

•  Perform data management, especially mapping land management activities and for routine monitoring. 

• Retain physical fitness for full time outdoor work year-round in Florida’s subtropical climate. 

Associate Land Manager - Archbold Biological Station (Venus, FL)

Click here to view more details and to apply.

Apply by January 31, 2025.

Summary 

Archbold Biological Station is hiring an Associate Land Manager to lead our new Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team. The position is for an experienced land manager capable of leading a team of 3 in prescribed burns and invasive plant management on Archbold lands and those of a broad set of partner organizations throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades (>4000 square miles of central Florida) and the coincident Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. This position will also contribute to administration of financial and project outcome tracking for the work. Opportunities will exist to contribute to Archbold land management planning, strategy, and growth. 

The position is initially funded for 3 years with significant chances of extension, pending funding. 

 
Full-time in-person work is required, given the field-based nature of the position. Candidates should anticipate frequent day travel from Archbold to natural areas around the Headwaters of the Everglades.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Joshua Daskin, Director of Conservation by January 31, 2025. 
 

The start date is anticipated for the first half of March 2025, with some flexibility.

Required Education and Experience

•  A high school degree or GED;
   AND 

•  Frequent application of prescribed fire during at least three years of full-time work or volunteer experience in land management, or it’s part-time equivalent. 

 Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Not all competencies are required to excel in this position. Please consider applying if you fit several or most qualifications. 

• Holds a current Florida Forest Service Certified Burner credential AND has completed NWCG courses S-130, S-190, L-180, IS-700, and I-100. 

• Candidates with a current NWCG Red Card, pack test at the arduous level, and certification as FFT1, RXB1, or RXB2 will be looked on favorably, but these credentials are not required. 

• At least two years as a staff supervisor. 

• Knowledge of safe prescribed burning practices in scrub-shrub, grassland, pasture, forest, and wetland ecosystems. 

• Experience writing burn prescriptions to plan safe and effective fire operations and to comply with agency requirements to obtain fire permits. 

• Highly competent operator of ignition and fire suppression equipment including pumps, hoses, hand tools, and drip torches. 

• Capable operator of 4WD vehicles (trucks, ATVs, and UTVs) and towing of small trailers. 

• Knowledge of accepted wildland fire safety practices and procedures. 

• At least one year of invasive plant control experience and can learn to identify local invasive plants. 

• Highest standards of professionalism to lead team operations, interact with Archbold’s neighbors and partners, and to create a culture of safety and risk management. 

• An understanding of and commitment to Archbold’s mission. 

• Excited to work with scientists, conservationists, ranchers, politicians, land use planners, and others to advance ambitious, creative conservation goals. 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including to clearly report work results. 

• Anxious to see results and able to perform assigned tasks independently, with accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Good organizational and administrative skills. 

• Possess a valid drivers’ license with a good driving record, as determined by Archbold’s insurance carrier.  

• Experience and proficiency in the use of computers and standard software (e.g. Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, web searches). 

 Additional helpful competencies, NOT required 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an environmental, science, or natural resources field. 

• Vehicle, pump, and small engine maintenance skills. 

• Operation of heavy equipment including mowers and tractors. 

• Knowledge of land protection, conservation science, ecology, hydrology, and/or Florida ranching. 

• Basic GIS mapping abilities. 

• Familiarity with and/or a network of colleagues within local, state, and/or federal agencies and non-profits in the Headwaters of the Everglades environmental community. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create policies and procedures for the operation of the new Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team. 

• Provide personnel and equipment in support of prescribed fire on public agency lands throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades and Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. 

• Develop and actively employ a network of colleagues in regional land management agencies to determine and respond to needs for fire and invasive plant management support. 

• Lead the full set of practices for prescribed burns on Archbold property from unit and fire break preparation to ensuring completion of mop-up. 

• Oversee two crew members, including setting standards for and evaluating their performance, and ensuring crew training and maintenance of their fire management credentials. 

• Maintain state and/or federal fire management credentials. 

• Build and continue a culture of safety and risk reduction in the team’s operations. 

• Write burn prescriptions and obtain Florida Forest Service permits for burns at Archbold and adhere to partners’ burn prescriptions elsewhere. 

• Working with maintenance staff, ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in clean and working condition. 

• Direct completion of at least 7000 acres of prescribed burns and 80 acres of Old World Climbing Fern treatments annually, tracking activities for associated grant reporting and Archbold fire science datasets. 

• Track and report spending of crew funds using Archbold financial systems. 

• Attend regional partnership meetings to share work of the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team and learn from partner organizations. 

• Communicate difficulties or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner and be responsive to requests for information on team planning and performance. 

• Direct and conduct invasive plant surveys and treatments on Archbold and partners’ properties. 

• Direct and complete fire break preparations using mower, brush cutter, and tractor at Archbold properties. 

• Understand and contribute to accomplishing management goals of Archbold Biological Station and Archbold Reserve. 

• Occasionally and as needed, contribute to Archbold weather, photo point, hydrology, and lake monitoring, providing redundancy for the management of associated long-term datasets. 

• May write sections of Archbold land management plans.

• Perform and/or oversee data management, especially spatial data such as GIS coverages, for land management projects and occasional monitoring activities. 

• Ensure full regulatory compliance and necessary documentation for all Station land management practices including training, burn records, equipment use, and application of regulated materials.  Provide annual reports to government agencies as required. 

• Participate as an instructor in an annual fire training course. 

• Retain physical fitness for full time outdoor work year-round in Florida’s subtropical climate. 

Supervisory Responsibility

Oversees two assistant land managers on the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team.