FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001087

Requisition No: 827163 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001087

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77001087 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2025 

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

Position Title:  Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Section: Wildlife and Habitat Management

Position number: 77001087

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly plus benefits

Location:1231 Prairie Lakes Road, Kenansville FL  34739 (407)436-1009

Supervisor: Biological Administrator I

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Description of duties:  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.   This position is located in the Wildlife Habitat Management section.  The Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Lead Area Biologist on the 65,333 acre Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Osceola County, Florida. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section and is responsible for habitat management and restoration activities including application of prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and exotic plant management throughout the area. The position will lead a team of 8 full-time employees as well as several seasonal positions to accomplish FWC objectives on the WMA. Upon completing a prescribed burn mentorship program, the successful candidate will lead an active prescribed burn team that burns approximately 20,000 acres per year to maintain and restore a variety of natural communities including mesic and wet flatwoods and dry and wet prairie to benefit game, non-game and imperiled wildlife and plant species. This position will coordinate with other sections within FWC and partner agencies to assist with recovery efforts of the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow. This position leads active monitoring programs for threatened and locally important species including Bachman’s sparrow, northern bobwhite, bats, and red-cockaded woodpecker. Job duties will also include planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public recreational opportunities including public hunt management, infrastructure establishment and maintenance, and other land management tasks as needed.  

This position is responsible for assisting with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, project specifications, area regulations, and reports. In addition, the applicant will interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Occasional travel is required to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills, be able to work well with team members and interact positively with stakeholders and cooperators. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledgeable in principles of wildlife ecology and habitat management
• Knowledge of the common and imperiled species of Florida
• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and experience with application of prescribed fire
• Knowledge and experience with chemical or mechanical control of invasive exotic vegetation
• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarize 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 work both as part of a team and independently
• Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions
• Ability to operate 4WD vehicles and ATVs
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including 10-12 hour days as necessary

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region: Northeast

Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County: Osceola

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.

List of any subordinates supervised:  Full-time employees: 2 Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IIs, 4 Fish/Wildlife Technicians, and full-time and seasonal OPS employees as necessary.

Residency requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the Three Lakes WMA entrance.

Level of Education: Preferred bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences

Benefits: Participate in Group Health insurance.

Other Requirements: Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check. Four years of direct and relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree in a life/physical science.

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.