Description of duties: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 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 assist with the management of Okaloacoochee (OK) Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Hendry County, Florida. This position serves as a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II 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 are assisting with the implementation, planning, and development of habitat and wildlife management programs for the WMA. This includes the application of prescribed fire, conducting and providing oversight for invasive vegetation control, conducting monitoring of game, locally important, and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols, 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 assist with conducting wildlife and vegetation surveys, collecting biological data from hunter-harvested animals, coordinating and implementing managed public hunts, preparing and submitting administrative and biological reports, supervising seasonal staff, maintaining equipment in a safe and useable condition, and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. 

The position will regularly work independently in the field. This position will work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning and managing waterfowl hunts at the Stormwater Treatment Areas. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

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 find 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. 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 work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized off-road vehicles.

Broadband code: 19-1023-02

Class code: 5028

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: May supervise seasonal employees.

Residency requirement: None

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.