FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001110

Requisition No: 856126 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001110

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77001110 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 08/06/2025 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

 Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Position number: 77001110

Position address: 1630 Royce Ranch Avenue, Lake Placid, FL 33852

Phone: (863) 699-3937

Supervisor: Ethan Noel

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits

Minimum Qualifications:

Six years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.

Preferred Requirements: A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the life/physical sciences is preferred.

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

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

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity exists for a Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) in Highlands County. FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities. Primary responsibilities include direct involvement in the development and implementation of management programs for the Lake Wales Ridge WEA. This position will be responsible for leading the prescribed burn program on the WEA, which includes managing the area’s prescribed burn team. Job duties will further include biological data collection, wildlife surveys, non-native invasive plant control, mechanical treatments, infrastructure establishment and maintenance, public hunt and check station management, and other various land management tasks as needed. 

This position is also responsible for the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, and reports. Incumbent will also work with other staff to enhance wildlife habitat and promote compatible recreational use for the general public. Incumbent will participate in team meetings, seminars, workshops, public outreach events and/or other training opportunities.

Persons applying for this position should have strong team leadership skills, be comfortable working independently in the field, and have experience in prescribed burning, plant identification, and non-native invasive plant control. The ability to operate ATVs and field equipment is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well with team members and members of the public. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• knowledge of wildlife ecology, game management, wildlife and habitat surveying and inventory
• knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire
• knowledge and experience with chemical or mechanical control of vegetation
• ability to identify common and imperiled species
• ability to write technical reports
• ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions
• ability to work productively unsupervised
• knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS and its application
• strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with cooperators, coworkers, and constituents
• skilled in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications: At least two years of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Supervisory experience. Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager. Strong familiarity with both native and invasive vegetation in Central Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning.

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region: Southwest

County: Highlands

Working hours: 8am – 5pm Monday - Friday, with occasional assignments outside of normal working hours.

List of any subordinates supervised: 1 Biological Scientist II, 1 OPS Biological Scientist II, 1 Fish and Wildlife Technician, 1 OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician, and 1 OPS Staff Assistant

Residency requirement: State housing provided on site

Minimum Qualifications: Six years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.

Other requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel is required.

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.