Description of duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated biologist to assist with the management of Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. This position serves as a wildlife biologist 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 planning, development, and implementation of hydrologic, habitat, and wildlife management programs for the WMA. This includes the application of prescribed fire, conducting and providing oversight for invasive vegetation control, restoration and management of tree islands, 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 on both the WMA and Stormwater Treatment Areas, 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. 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 biology, 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. Ability to prepare detailed regulation recommendations pertaining to hunting and other recreational activities. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. 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 operate outside under inclement weather conditions and specialized equipment (e.g., airboat, tracked vehicles).

Preferred Qualifications: At least 1 year of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Willing and able to conduct wildlife surveys from aircraft. Strong familiarity with both native and exotic vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning