Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Requisition No: 839595
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III – 77072753
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 77072753
Salary:  $1,730.77 – $1,817.31 biweekly ($45,000 – $47,250 annually) + benefits
Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2024
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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III
Position number: 77072753
Position address : 100 CR 832 Felda, FL 33930
Phone: (863) 612-0775
Supervisor: Ryder Hochmuth
Salary: $1,730.77 – $1,817.31 biweekly ($45,000 – $47,250 annually) + benefits

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 biologist to lead a team of Wildlife and Habitat Management Section staff on the Okaloacoochee (OK) Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Hendry County, Florida. This position serves as a Lead Area Biologist on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida’s residents and visitors.

Primary responsibilities include planning, development, and implementation of hydrologic, habitat, and wildlife management programs for this 58,880-acre WMA. This includes the application of prescribed fire, conducting and providing oversight for invasive vegetation control, assisting in the development and promotion of public use programs including both hunting and non-hunting uses, and helping to set management and restoration objectives consistent with agency and division directives.

Additionally, this position will conduct wildlife and vegetation surveys, coordinate and implement managed public hunts on the WMA, as well as the Stormwater Treatment Area(s) as needed, collect biological data from hunter-harvested animals, prepare and submit administrative and biological reports, maintain equipment in a safe and useable condition, and further agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. This position also must successfully coordinate with the Florida Forest Service on management issues related to the neighboring OK Slough State Forest.

This Lead Area Biologist position will work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning. The successful candidate will supervise three full-time staff of one Biological Scientist II and two Fish & Wildlife Technicians, and will supervise seasonal hunter check station operators as necessary. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed. State housing (3-bedroom, 2-bath house) on Dinner Island Ranch WMA is available for this position (resident pays for utilities only).

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Ability to navigate using GPS units and aerial maps. Knowledge of threats and issues facing Florida wildlife and habitats and the ability to create creative solutions. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and exotic plant control. Wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to track spending and monitor budgets. Ability to create scientific reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Ability to interact with stakeholders, co-workers, and cooperating agencies in a professional manner. Knowledge of hunting as a wildlife management tool. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Ability to effectively supervise staff. Well-organized and able to communicate effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively unsupervised alone as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to operate outside under inclement weather conditions and specialized off-road vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications: At least 2 years of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Supervisory experience. Florida Prescribed Burn Manager. Strong familiarity with both native and exotic vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning.

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region: South

County: Hendry

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, evening and weekends as required. Occasional overnight travel is required.

List of any subordinates supervised: 1 Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II, 2 Fish & Wildlife Technicians, and seasonal staff as necessary.

Residency requirement: State housing (3-bedroom, 2-bath house) on Dinner Island Ranch WMA is available for this position (resident pays for utilities only).

Level of Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the physical or life sciences preferred. Four years of direct experience with the duties of this position may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree in a physical or life science.

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.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.