Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist II; Lake Placid, FL

Minimum Qualifications:

Four years of direct experience in a life or physical science.  A bachelor’s degree in a life or physical science can substitute for the required experience. 

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Description of duties: 

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity exists for an entry-level Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area in Highlands County. FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities. Responsibilities include assisting with the planning, development and implementation of habitat management programs to maintain and perpetuate native wildlife populations, including participation on the LWRWEA prescribed burn team.

This position is also responsible for the accomplishment of Commission-planned activities such as the following: prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of native and invasive non-native vegetation, design and implementation of biological surveys to monitor the status of selected species, including data analysis and report writing; development and implementation of public recreational programs; proposing regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles; planning, development, and maintenance of projects to facilitate public use including road construction, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates; potentially supervising various OPS staff; and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders.    

Job duties will further include providing assistance with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, and will also include providing input and review for the preparation of programs, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, brochures and reports. 

Region: Southwest

County: Highlands

Working hours: 8am – 5pm Monday - Friday, with occasional assignments outside of normal working hours. 

List of any subordinates supervised: OPS employees as applicable

Residency requirement: Required to reside with a 25-mile radius of Lake Wales Ridge WEA.

Minimum Qualifications: 5 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 5 years of required experience. 

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.