Deadline: Thu, 10/12/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Wildlife Other Job Type: Full Time Location: Florida Location Detail: Clewiston, Florida Job Description: Description of duties: FWC seeks a highly motivated biologist to lead the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) staff in accomplishing a variety of habitat management goals. Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the land management plan for the WMA; developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure is properly maintained; providing oversight and participating in hydrologic and vegetative restoration projects; preparing for and conducting wildlife surveys; supporting and conducting public hunts on the WMA, as well as the Stormwater Treatment Area(s) as needed; developing and promoting non-hunting recreational use; and maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using ArcGIS. The biologist will work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish activities like prescribed burning. The successful candidate will supervise two full-time technicians, one full-time OPS+ biologist II, and a seasonal hunter check station operator. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as trainings as necessary. Qualifications: Level of Education: Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences. 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 is required. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and nonnative 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, able to communicate effectively, and able to supervise and delegate tasks effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively independently as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized equipment (e.g., swamp buggy, ATV, UTV, tractor). Miscellaneous: About the WMA: Dinner Island Ranch WMA is in the heart of old South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. This 21,714-acre WMA is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Florida panther, Florida black bear, bobcat, and American alligator. The habitat is composed of freshwater marshes, mesic hammocks, cypress dome swamps, pine flatwoods, and pasture. Hydrological improvements are underway to improve sheet flow and help restore degraded native habitats. Prescribed burning and invasive nonnative plant control are two of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife. There is also an active cattle lease and citrus grove lease on the WMA. State housing is provided for this position (a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house is available). Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly Benefits: On site 3 bedroom, two bathroom is provided (utilities not included). Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options available. Participation in the Florida Retirement System. 10 paid holidays along with annual leave and sick leave accrual. Has the ability to accrue compensatory time at a rate of 1:1 for all hours worked over 80 in a two week pay period. Qualifies for participation in the state's tuition waver program. How to Apply: Go to jobs.myflorida.com, type in 77072827 into the keywords search box, select the job opening, click apply now, create a People First account, attach a resume, and cover letter to your application and finish by answering all of the qualifying questions.
