Deadline: Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Field: 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. 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). Qualifications: Level of Education: Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences. 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: Residency requirement: Incumbent required to live in available on-site state housing. Housing is an unfurnished, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house. Housing is provided as part of employment but utilities are not included. 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. Working hours: 8-5 M-F, evening and weekends as required. List of any subordinates supervised: 1 F&W Biological Scientist II, 2 F&W Technicians, and seasonal staff as needed. Salary: $45,000 annually, with provided on site housing + state employment benefits Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options. Participation in the Florida Retirement System. Paid Holidays (10 state holidays plus 1 personal holiday a fiscal year), annual leave (starting accrual is 13 days per year), sick leave (starting accrual is 13 days per year), and straight comp leave (hour for hour any time worked more than 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: Find the job posting at this link https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/CLEWISTON-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTIST-III-77072827-FL-33440/1069895200/ Or go to jobs.myflorida.com and use the position number, 77072827, in the keyword search bar to find the post. After finding the posting, create a People First account and submit your application with a resume and cover letter then answer the qualifying questions to complete the application process.
