Fisheries and Wildlife Bio Scientist II - FWC (Tequesta, FL)

Click here to view more information and apply.

Posting Closing Date: 10/19/2025 
Salary: $41,000 Annually

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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Experience assisting with safe and efficient manatee captures and live marine mammal transports.
Experience assisting with conducting high quality marine mammal necropsies and collect the necessary samples and data to determine cause of strand/death.
Experience with necropsy report writing and editing.
Experience with State of Florida purchasing policies and procedures.
FWC boat operator certification.
FWC trailer certification.

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.  Serves in local on-call status on occasional weekend days and holidays and serves in statewide on-call status between 5pm and 8 am Friday evening through Friday morning in a weekly rotation with other FWRI field staff. 

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:

Leads or assists in coordinating timely responses to marine mammal carcass reports for the Southeast Field Lab (SEFL) stranding coverage region covering St Lucie County to Monroe County and inland Okeechobee County. Responses include but are not limited to carcass verifications, tows, recoveries, and transports to designated workup and/or disposal sites including the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL. Leads or assists in conducting consistent, high-quality necropsies on marine mammals to determine cause of death and collects samples and data per protocols in a manner consistent with safe practices (handling sharp instruments, appropriate PPE and appropriate biohazardous waste practices).  Records data and related information in necropsy reports and on data sheets per established protocols.  Responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments.  Leads or assists with safe and efficient manatee rescue operations in the SEFL region including open water captures using a manatee capture boat. Leads live manatee transports to and from manatee critical care and secondary holding facilities.  Leads or assists with other live or dead marine mammal stranding responses, rescues, and transports.  Assists other FWC manatee laboratories with rescue and transport support as needed.  Assists with other marine mammal section priority research projects including but not limited to photo ID, genetics sampling, temperature probes, and aerial surveys.  Serves in regional on-call status between 8am and 5pm on holidays in rotation with other SEFL staff members and on occasional weekend days as needed for the purpose of responding to manatee emergencies.  Serves in statewide on-call status between 5pm and 8 am Friday evening through Friday morning in a weekly rotation with other FWRI-Marine Mammal Section field staff.  Responds to manatee strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Responsible for SEFL vehicle, vessel, and trailer maintenance on weekly and monthly schedule as well as addressing issues as they arise in addition to managing and upkeeping manuals. This position will also train new staff and volunteers on maintenance, trailering, and boat operations, and supervise one seasonal staff member, including recruitment and scheduling. Maintains state purchasing credit card. Responsible for monitoring, purchasing, and restocking laboratory and field consumables at the SEFL. Responsible for purchases as assigned by SEFL supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Participates in public outreach events as appropriate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; live and dead marine mammal stranding response techniques. 

Skills: use of database, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as portable ultrasound, PIT tags, and biopsy equipment. 

Abilities to: prepare written necropsy and rescue reports; utilize problem-solving techniques; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, polices and procedure; write high quality manatee necropsy reports; lead or assist with marine mammal necropsies; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, internal and external partners, and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 26', including manatee capture boat; effectively and safely lead or assist live and dead marine mammal stranding teams and responses; organize and coordinate work assignments for direct report and work in on-call status on a rotational basis.

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Ocala, FL)

To apply and view more information, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 10/05/2025 

Location: 1239 SW 10th Street, Ocala, FL 34471, or other locations in central Florida considered.

Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly + benefits

Supervisor: Alex Kropp

Residency requirement: Florida

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and six years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program are required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.

Preferred qualifications: A Bachelor of Science degree in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience. Knowledge of gopher tortoise and other wildlife survey procedures, the identification of natural communities and listed wildlife species endemic to Florida is highly desirable.

Knowledge of the Florida listed species process, permitting, and/or wildlife conservation is preferred. A Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences is preferred.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits, including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education, and numerous agency trainings for professional development.

To apply: In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, a resume and cover letter must be attached describing your interest in this position and relevant experience.  Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in your application, resume and cover letter.

Description of Duties:

This is a full-time Career Service position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education, and numerous agency trainings for professional development.

This position works in the FWC’s Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC), serving as the Northeast Region’s Gopher Tortoise Conservation Biologist. This position is responsible for reviewing and processing gopher tortoise permit applications, including drafting permits and related notices to agency standards. This position works in the field conducting site visits to areas under consideration for permitting to verify gopher tortoise surveys/population estimates, evaluate habitat suitability for tortoises and other listed species, and document occurrences of other listed species. Site visits are also conducted on permitted areas to ensure compliance with state rules and Species Guidelines. Responsibilities also include reviewing draft conservation easement documents and habitat management plans to implement permit requirements and conservation goals.

This position has the opportunity to participate in and lead team meetings, seminars, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management, as well as other professional development opportunities within and outside of the FWC. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to participate in outreach activities providing technical and educational information to conservation organizations, professional audiences, schools, and civic groups.

The person in this position works collaboratively with a regional team of species conservation biologists to improve wildlife conservation in the region. This may include assisting with or leading priority imperiled species projects, developing or enhancing partnerships with other organizations, providing technical assistance to the public and other agencies, inputting and managing data, maintaining equipment, and providing other administrative support for regional activities as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge in gopher tortoise and other wildlife survey protocols

• Knowledge of Florida listed species permitting is preferred

• Ability to identify natural communities and listed wildlife species endemic to Florida is highly desirable

• Knowledge or experience of habitat management techniques that benefit terrestrial wildlife

• Ability to spend long hours outdoors, walking across uneven terrain in various climate conditions

• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, soils, and land use maps

• Skill in interacting and communicating effectively with internal and outside entities, including both written and verbal communication

• Skill in presenting technical information to various audiences

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team

• Skill in using computers and relevant software, use and maintenance of equipment required

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism

• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments, multi-task, establish and meet deadlines; possesses good time management skills

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

• Strong customer service skills required

• Ability to occasionally travel out of town with overnight stays 

• Skill in use of Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS

OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC (Port Charlotte, FL)

Click here to view more information and apply.

Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2025 

$20 per hour

Minimum Qualifications:

2 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: Marine mammal stranding-response experience is preferred.

Experience assisting with conducting high quality marine mammal necropsies and collect the necessary samples and data to determine cause of strand/death.

Experience with necropsy report writing and editing.

Knowledge and experience with grant writing and budgeting is highly desired.

The ability to safely operate and trailer boats less than 30 feet in length is also highly desired.

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, Sunday through Thursday. Not eligible for Telework.  Serves in local on-call status on holidays in a rotation with other field staff.  

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:

Duties include but are not limited to fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees and cetaceans, verification of mortalities and distressed manatees and cetaceans, potentially in need of rescue. Recovery of manatee carcasses from a ten-county area in Southwest Florida and stranded cetaceans from three of the those within the ten-county region. Conduct field necropsies on badly decomposed manatee carcasses and transport fresh to moderately decomposed manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg. Participate in the marine mammal stranding network, including coordination of capture and transportation of injured manatees and live cetaceans to the appropriate rehabilitation facility and conduct necropsies on fresh dead to badly decomposed stranded cetaceans Conduct aerial surveys of manatees, track radio-tagged manatees and photograph manatees for photo identification purposes. Participate in aerial synoptic surveys for manatees. Operate a computer and software such as Arcview, Excel, Access and Word. Participate in data entry, office work and extensive public outreach including working with the media. Perform tasks such as general cleaning of office and equipment, vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance and other tasks assigned by supervisor. Work long, unscheduled hours on short notice that include some evenings, most weekends and frequently on holidays. Occasional overnight travel required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; live and dead marine mammal stranding response techniques.  

Skills: use of database, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as portable ultrasound, PIT tags, and biopsy equipment. Obtain boater safety certification within the first six months of employment.

Abilities: Must be able to swim proficiently. Field work is highly physical and applicant must be willing and able to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis. Must have the ability to work both as a team member as well as independently in various field situations. Must be able to work under adverse field conditions, potentially at night, on weekends and holidays. Must be able to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and maintain a valid driver’s License.

Assistant Research Scientist - FWC (Melbourne, FL)

Click here to view more information and apply.

Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2025 

FWC-FWRI Marine Mammal Section

Assistant Research Scientist – Career Service Position with Benefits

$2,000.00 Biweekly, $52,000 Annually

Minimum Qualifications:

7 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 major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and three years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience as described above; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

• Experience leading safe and efficient manatee captures and live marine mammal transports.

• Experience leading high quality marine mammal necropsies and collect the necessary samples and data to determine cause of strand/death.

• Experience with necropsy report writing and editing.

• Experience with State of Florida purchasing policies and procedures.

• FWC boat operator certification.

• FWC trailer certification.

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.  Serves in local on-call status on occasional weekend days and holidays and serves in statewide on-call status between 5pm and 8 am Friday through Thursday in a weekly rotation with other FWRI field staff. 

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:

Provides leadership, direction, and support for manatee responses within the east central sector (coastal and inland waterways of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Seminole, Lake, and Marion Counties) of Florida.  Assures all field station stranding responses are conducted in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.  Assures field station adherence to the manatee carcass recovery and necropsy quota protocol and provides guidance and support for staff which includes response coordination, carcass recovery and necropsy selection, carcass transport and disposal plans.  Leads in conducting consistent, high-quality necropsies on manatees to determine cause of death and to collect samples per protocols. Prepares necropsy and rescue reports, evaluating scientific information for accuracy. Responsible for collection of tissue and skeletal material, as requested, as well as photographs of carcasses. Responsible for proper disposal of carcasses. Transports carcasses to central necropsy facility in a timeframe that maximizes forensic investigations, biological sampling, and cause of death determination while adhering to safe operations including the FWRI safe trailering guidelines.  In conjunction with manatee rescue coordinator, leads manatee rescue operations in east central region including open water captures, effective communications, vessel operation, and may lead with the transport of stranded manatees to the appropriate oceanaria. Leads or assists with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. Participates cooperatively in response to manatee emergencies as needed. Adheres to FWC rules and policies. Able to organize work to meet deadlines and demonstrates cooperation in working with others. Acquires and maintains marine mammal section trailering certification.

Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel. Duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning, directing and reviewing work, evaluating performance of assigned employees and ensuring compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures including safety procedures. Assure assigned personnel work schedules provide adequate field station coverage for the purposes of responding to stranded manatees. Serves in a state-wide on-call status after operating hours in a weekly rotation with other staff members and provides timely information to field station staff.  Manages day-to-day operation of marine mammal program responsibilities in the east central field office, including but not limited to coordinating with program administration for purchasing of supplies, tracking allotted budget, and preparation of reports for various administrative and grant obligations. Proactively maintain field station equipment, vehicles, vessels, trailers, and supplies and associated facilities including minor repairs and cleaning. Coordinates and leads field station participation in priority Marine Mammal Section projects including manatee photo identification; temperature probe deployment and recovery; aerial surveys; genetic sampling; manatee research capture and tracking for telemetry studies; and assures established project protocols are followed and timely distribution of data to project leaders. Manages stomach content analysis project.  Maintains stomach content sample collection and reading equipment, provides analysis of the samples, collects data, and works with section researchers to apply the data to understanding manatee life history and mortality events.   Assists with priority program science initiatives as needed.  Assists stranding network with other marine mammal strandings as time warrants.  Serves on integrated agency regional response teams for mortality events and serves on strategic marine mammal stranding response planning teams.  Serves as the east central regional response field coordinator during manatee mass mortality events.  Promotes and participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Perform related work as required or assigned by supervisor.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; live and dead marine mammal stranding response techniques. 

Skills: use of database, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphic software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as portable ultrasound, PIT tags, and biopsy equipment. 

Abilities to: prepare written technical reports; utilize problem-solving techniques; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, polices, procedures; maintain assigned marine mammal database, lead marine mammal necropsies and rescues; establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisor, internal and external partners, and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; safely operate vehicles, trailers, and boats up to 26’, including manatee capture boat; effectively and safely lead live and dead marine mammal stranding teams and responses; effectively supervise others and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for direct reports and work in on-call status on a rotational basis.

OPS Biological Scientist II - FWC (Gainesville, FL)

To view full posting and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 10/17/2025 

$23 per hour

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

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with degrees and professional experience directly relevant to the ecology, conservation, or management of wild amphibians and/or reptiles.

Requirements:

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

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:

The incumbent serves as Biological Scientist II in the Reptile, Amphibian and Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Subsection within the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Assists with research and monitoring of amphibians and reptiles associated with central Florida lakes to provide information needed to better conserve the species; field work will be accompanied by mesocosm experiments to help identify mechanisms impacting amphibian and reptiles with the potential to incorporate invertebrates as well. Incumbent will be primarily responsible for data collection but will also have the opportunity to develop research projects, conduct analyses, and write reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Performs routine administrative duties such as preparation of itineraries, travel vouchers, purchase order requisitions, vehicle operation reports, and other administrative reports. Participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Assist with related subsection initiatives and obligations.

Participates in agency committees, initiatives, and teams, and in meetings with other partners from other agencies.

Performs related work as required.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:  1 – standard methods of data collection and management and the principles and techniques of biological research, including data analysis and publication of results; 2 – biology, conservation, and management of Florida’s amphibians and reptiles; and 3 – ecological analysis techniques.  Ability to: 1 – capture and handle wild amphibians and reptiles, 2 – design and conduct scientific studies, 3 – effectively use common word processing and database software and ArcGIS, 4 – analyze ecological data, especially with use of current analytical software programs; 5 – properly collect biological data and organize data efficiently in electronic databases; 6 – write reports and publish results in technical journals;  7 – work effectively alone or with colleagues and partners; 8 -  work on an irregular schedule for extended hours, travel overnight as needed,  and work in a variety of field conditions; 9 - manage multiple projects simultaneously;  and 10 – Safely drive 4WD vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, small boats. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.

FWC Panther PES Biologist, OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist III - FWC (Fort Myers, FL)

To read more and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2025

Hourly Rate: $22.00

Supervisor: Zachary Wardle

Supervisor contact information for inquiries: Zachary.Wardle@MyFWC.com

Working hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm; work hours may vary due to nature of work

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: Southwest Florida

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and six years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience. A Graduate Degree in a relevant field can substitute for two of the six years of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience working with private landowners is highly desired. Proficiency in MS Office, MS SharePoint, Google Earth, and ArcGIS is preferred.

Additional Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. A valid driver’s license is required. The majority of travel will be within south and central Florida, but statewide travel may occasionally be expected. This position may be required to work some weekends and after regular business hours.

Description of Duties: This is a 2-year term position focused on the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program under the purview of the FWC’s Panther Management Program. The candidate must be a strong self-starter with excellent communication and public speaking skills who is outgoing, independent, motivated, professional, and able to work with a diverse array of people. The Panther PES Biologist will implement the PES program in collaboration with staff from the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program. Duties include but are not limited to:

• fostering long-term partnerships with program participants,

• maintaining trail cameras and associated image data on enrolled lands,

• assisting with habitat assessments,

• planning/presenting landowner workshops,

• conducting outreach efforts to a variety of audiences (e.g., commercial cattle producers, homeowners, conservation groups, students, sportsmen) about PES and living with panthers,

• planning focus groups and surveys to engage with landowners and monitor program outcomes and,

• panther field response to pet/livestock depredations, vehicle strikes, telemetry flights, capture efforts, plus potential for limited bear field response opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Florida panther or puma biology and their habitats and a broad knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;

• Knowledge of carnivore research, management, and conflict minimization techniques;

• Knowledge of private lands conservation, habitat management practices, and effective measures for working with private landowners;

• Knowledge of effective measures for conducting outreach about carnivore science and conservation for various audiences;

• Knowledge of government processes and procedures;

• Skilled in effective communication (oral and written) with peers and stakeholders;

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

• Ability to work independently and on teams;

• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor;

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments;

• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;

• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism;

• Ability to safely operate vehicles;

• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity and exposure to biting insects and venomous snakes; and

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours. Limited overnight travel may be required.

How to Apply: Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a cover letter and resume in addition to the state application. Application packets without a cover letter, resume, and state application will not be considered for the position.  Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.

Land Stewardship Manager - Big Waters Land Trust

To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to landprotection@bwlt.org by September 30.

Starting Salary: $75,000

POSITION SUMMARY

The Land Stewardship Manager oversees the stewardship of fee-owned lands and conservation

easements, including monitoring, enforcement, and land management. This position supervises

stewardship staff and contractors, develops and implements management plans, and supports land

protection activities to ensure that Big Waters’ conservation goals are achieved.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position involves both office and fieldwork. Fieldwork includes strenuous activity in varying and

adverse weather conditions, traversing uneven or rugged terrain, and working in high-noise

environments. The role requires:

• Lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally, 20 lbs frequently, and 10 lbs constantly.

• Driving vehicles for work-related duties.

• Climbing ladders and equipment; bending, stooping, crawling, and reaching.

• Strong visual acuity, depth perception, and auditory awareness.

• Occasional work in and around water.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Essential Functions:

Stewardship Supervision

• Develop and oversee stewardship management and work plans.

• Manage stewardship budgets.

• Supervise land management staff, interns, and volunteers.

• Direct and review conservation easement (CE) monitoring.

• Maintain accurate stewardship records.

• Ensure stewardship activities comply with best management practices and all applicable laws.

Land Stewardship

• Enforce conservation easement terms in alignment with Land Trust Standards and Practices.

• Perform property management, monitoring, and enforcement on Big Waters fee-owned and

CE lands as needed, supporting supervised staff.

Conservation Planning

• Maintain working knowledge of Big Waters’ Conservation Plan.

• Research land ownership and conservation values of priority properties.

Landowner Support

• Assist and advise landowners, including CE landowners, on land management planning.

• Review CE reserved rights requests and ensure compliance with approved activities.

• Meet with landowners and assess how Big Waters can support them through:

o Conservation easement and fee-simple acquisitions or donations.

o Connections to stewardship assistance programs.

Land Protection

• Support property evaluations, including assessment of conservation values, management

needs, and potential liabilities.

• Prepare and submit project evaluations to the Director of Land Protection.

• Assist with drafting conservation easements and ownership strategies aligned with

stewardship best practices.

• Write and review Baseline Documentation Reports.

• Assist in securing funding for land protection and stewardship, including supporting

partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, and private entities.

GIS

• Create maps to support land acquisition and conservation planning.

• Use GIS for spatial analyses, such as identifying properties with specific natural resource

attributes or landowners meeting defined criteria.

Outreach and Communications

• Assist in creating outreach materials.

• Support outreach and education efforts on a limited basis.

• Write grant proposals for land conservation and stewardship.

• Attend Big Waters Foundation events as a representative of the organization.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences (biology, forestry, environmental studies, restoration

ecology, botany, or related field). Relevant experience may substitute for a degree with

demonstrable expertise.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in stewardship and land protection, including work with

volunteers, ecological restoration, exotic species control, replanting, reporting, plan writing,

and CE monitoring/enforcement.

• Proficiency in GIS applications and spatial analysis.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Ability to organize and manage volunteers effectively.

• Strong conflict-resolution skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with diverse

stakeholders.

• Ability and willingness to collaborate with local, state, regional, and national partners to build

strong conservation coalitions.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to set priorities.

• Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

• Flexible, self-directed, and able to work under pressure.

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and accurate record keeping.

• Ability to read maps and navigate in the field using maps and GPS.

• Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and field equipment.

• Competency with computer software including ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, Excel,

PowerPoint, and web-based tools.

• Physical ability to travel to remote properties, hike and wade through varied terrain and

conditions, and work outdoors for extended periods with potential wildlife encounters.

• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record (Florida license required).

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with Florida native plants.

• Ability to identify plants using a dichotomous key.

• Comfortable with public speaking and presentations.

• Florida Herbicide Applicator certification.

• First Aid certification.

• Prescribed Fire certification(s).