FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001102

Requisition No: 839826 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001102

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77001102 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2025 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Working Title:  Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Section:  Wildlife and Habitat Management

Position number:  77001102

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly plus benefits

Physical Address:  3200 T.M. Goodwin Road, Fellsmere, FL  32948

Phone Number: 321-726-2862

Supervisor : Steve Glass

Description of duties:

An exciting and challenging opportunity exists to manage one of Florida’s premier waterfowl management areas and to lead a team of fish and wildlife technicians at the T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) in Brevard County, FL. This position serves as the Lead Area Biologist managing over 6,400 acres of impoundments and freshwater reservoirs for waterfowl, wading birds, and other wetland dependent species. The successful candidate must have a background and strong interest in waterfowl ecology and wetland habitat management. The Lead Area Biologist is responsible for coordinating and implementing all aspects of management of the WMA including water level manipulation, conducting mechanical and chemical vegetation control (mowing, herbicide, etc.), and application of prescribed fire to manage habitats and promote favorable conditions for beneficial wetland/moist-soil vegetation. Water level management is achieved through a combination of riser-board culverts, gravity fed canals and pumps to provide optimal habitat conditions for wintering waterfowl and other wetland dependent species. This position is responsible for all aspects of running the WMA including project, infrastructure, and public hunt management; reporting; purchasing and budget management; GIS; and data entry. The incumbent will interact professionally with the public and partners, including other state and federal agencies as well as non-governmental organizations to provide information concerning wildlife, area management, and rules and regulations.  The successful candidate will oversee the operation of the hunter check station to collect biological data of hunter harvested game.

Additionally, the incumbent will have responsibilities at the Fort Drum WMA to include, but not be limited to, interacting with the lead agency staff, supervising managed hunts, providing habitat management recommendations, project implementation, and conducting surveys such as deer spotlight counts and invasive/exotic plant surveys. Also, the incumbent will be responsible for the habitat management, including implementing the prescribed burn and exotic plant treatment programs on the Indian River County Public Shooting Range

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledgeable in principles of wildlife ecology and habitat management.
• Knowledge of moist-soil management practices.
• Knowledge of hydrologic control structures including riser-board and flap gate culverts, and pumps is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and the application of prescribed fire.
• Knowledge in chemical and mechanical control of undesirable vegetation.
• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members.
• Knowledge in conducting wildlife surveys and summarizing biological data.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing.
• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS and its application to land management and surveys.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to communicate effectively with team members, agency partners, and the public.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and plan work assignments and multi-task.
• Ability to identify common and imperiled wildlife species, including migratory game birds.
• Ability to operate outdoors under harsh weather conditions.
• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, trailers, and boats, including airboats.

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region:  Northeast

Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County:   Brevard

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, occasional weekend work and atypical hours expected. Occasional overnight travel required.

List of any subordinates supervised:  Three fulltime OPS Fish/Wildlife Technicians.

Residency requirement: Must live within a 25-mile radius of the entrance to T.M. Goodwin WMA. On-site housing available (30 foot travel trailer).

Level of Education: Preferred Bachelor of Science degree in a life or physical science. Four years of direct, relevant experience may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree.

Benefits: Participate in Group health insurance and included in Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Other Requirements:  Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license. 

2 years of supervisory experience and experience with wetland/moist-soil management is preferred.

Incumbent will be required to complete prescribed burning training to obtain and maintain a FL certified prescribed burn manager certificate within 24 months of hire date.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.

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.