FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001091

Requisition No: 836329 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001091

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77001091 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 09/22/2024 

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

Anticipated Vacancy: 10/3/24

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position Number:  77001091

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Address: 9550 NW 160th St, Fanning Springs, FL 32693

Direct Supervisor:    Cade Chaney, Position  Phone: (850) 535-1335 Email: Jain.Chaney@myFWC.com

An exciting opportunity exists to serve as the Lead Area Biologist for planning, development, and implementation of management programs at Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area. The incumbent will also serve as the Cooperative Area Biologist for Goethe, Cedar Key Scrub, and Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Areas in cooperation with the lead agencies.

Description of Duties -

• Plans and implements effective and cost-efficient habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, and other projects.
• Designs and conducts population surveys of selected species using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing. 
• Plans, develops, and coordinates projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates. 
• Develops and oversees bid specifications, contracts, and monitoring of vendor compliance
• Completes annual work plans, budget proposals, performance reports, accomplishment reports and other administrative tasks. 
• Coordinates public hunting and other recreational activities.
• Surveys habitat types and monitors changes that take place in vegetative communities.
• Provides technical assistance and presentations to individuals, organizations and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management.
• Proposes regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles.
• Participates in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management.
• Responds to nuisance bear complaints, reports of road killed bears, and other wildlife issues within assigned area.
• Completes other duties or assists on other areas as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of wildlife biology, assessment and inventory of wildlife and habitat, collection and analysis of biological data.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration and management techniques, fire ecology, and plant succession.
• Training and experience in supervision and leadership.
• Ability to write, edit, and produce scientific reports and summaries. 
• Ability to serve as a prescribed burn team crew member and safely apply fire to vegetative communities.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles, ATVs, farm tractors, and trailers. 
• Knowledge of GIS software (ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro) and handheld GPS units and their applications.
• Excellent organizational skills (time management, office organization, information management), customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in project management. 
• Ability to work well with minimal supervision, as well as participate effectively in teams.  

Broadband Code:  19-1023-03

Class Code:  5074

ORG code:  77352020100

Region:  North Central

County: Levy

Working Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm, with weekend and after-hours work occasionally required

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly/$45,000 annually

List of Subordinates Supervised:  One full time OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician

Residency requirement – none 

Level of Education:  Preferred Bachelor of Science degree with a major in a physical or life science or a Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences. Four years of directly related professional experience can substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree. 

License Requirements: Will be required to obtain and maintain a Florida Class E Driver’s License and Florida Certified Burn Manager Certification.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.