Deadline: Thu, 08/03/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Field: Other Job Type: Full Time Location: Florida Location Detail: Felda, FL Job Description: Description of duties: The FFWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead a team of Wildlife and Habitat Management Section staff on the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Hendry County, Florida. Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective habitat and wildlife management projects consistent with the area’s management plan, including the application of prescribed fire; 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 administering public hunts; developing and promoting non-hunting recreational use; and maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using ArcGIS. The successful candidate will supervise two full-time staff and seasonal staff as needed. Occasionally, this Lead Area Biologist position will work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish activities like prescribed burning. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various training courses as necessary. Qualifications: Level of Education: Minimum Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences. Required Knowledge, Skills & 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 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, 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 unsupervised alone as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to operate outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized off-road vehicles and equipment. Preferred Qualifications: Supervisory experience. Florida Prescribed Burn Manager. At least two years of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Strong familiarity with both native and invasive vegetation in South Florida, experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning. Other requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Level 1 background check. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver’s license. Miscellaneous: Residency requirement: None. State housing may be available in the future." Salary: $1,551.96 biweekly + benefits Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options. Participation in the Florida Retirement System. Paid Holidays (9 state holidays plus 1 personal holiday a fiscal year), annual leave, sick leave, and straight comp leave (hour for hour any time worked in excess of 80 hours in a pay period) accrual. Employee will also have the opportunity to participate in the state's tuition wavier program. How to Apply: jobs.myflorida.com and use the position number, 770072829, in the keyword search bar to find the posting. After finding the posting, create a PeopleFirst account and submit your application with a resume and cover letter then answer the qualifying questions to complete the application process.
