The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife Habitat Management Section. The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Moore Haven, FL. This position serves as an OPS 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.

Fisheating Creek WMA encompasses over 18,000 acres of beautiful, untamed habitat including cypress swamps, scrub, dry prairie, floodplains, oak hammocks, and pasture. Fisheating Creek is the only undammed tributary into Lake Okeechobee, making it a natural wonder. It is home to black bears, gopher tortoises, alligators, Florida scrub jays, bobcats, Florida panthers, migratory birds, and many other fascinating wildlife species. It attracts members of the public for a variety of recreational opportunities, including hunting, airboating, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

Primary responsibilities are assisting with the planning, development, and implementation of hydrologic, habitat, and wildlife management programs for the WMA. This includes conducting wildlife surveys (crested caracara, swallow-tailed kites, Florida scrub jays, and other wildlife inventories), hunter check station operation (including the collection of biological samples from harvested game), application of prescribed fire, conducting chemical and mechanical invasive plant management and oversight, archaeological resource monitoring, water level monitoring, maintaining area grounds, organizing and entering wildlife survey data, preparing and submitting administrative and biological reports, maintaining equipment in a safe and useable condition, assisting the lead area biologist with various projects as assigned, and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. The position will regularly work independently in the field. This position will also work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

Required: Bachelor's degree in an environmental or physical science or four years of applicable experience.