FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77000867

Requisition No: 840700 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77000867

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000867 

Salary:  $1,538.15 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 12/02/2024 

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

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check.

Working Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II

Section: Wildlife and Habitat Management

Position Number: 77000867

Salary: $1,538.46 biweekly plus benefits

Address: 440 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082,

Phone: 904-825-6877

Supervisor: Wade Brenner 

Description of duties: THIS IS A CAREER SERVICE POSITION.

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 FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Assistant Area Biologist at the FWC lead area Guana River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and co-op area Matanzas WMA encompassing 14,503 acres of uplands, wetlands, and saltmarsh in St. Johns County. 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 food plot management throughout the area. The successful candidate will serve on an active land management team impacting thousands of acres per year by mowing, planting, burning, and spraying and assist in management of a 2,342 acre brackish water impoundment. This position will lead operation of two hunter checks stations on the WMA, including hiring and supervising seasonal staff, collecting and reporting biological data, and facilitating public use during deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game hunting seasons. This position will serve as a member of the district three burn team assisting on prescribed burns across multiple counties. This position will supervise several seasonal positions and volunteers to accomplish FWC objectives on the WMA. Job duties will also include planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public recreational opportunities, infrastructure establishment and maintenance, and other land management tasks as needed. This position will work with partnering agencies to continue ongoing management and research projects, participate in management advisory groups, and facilitate educational and outreach events related to the WMA.

This position will assist with the development and periodic revision of long-range management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, project specifications, area regulations, and reports. In addition, the applicant will interact professionally with the public 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
• experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarize biological data
• knowledge and experience in moist soil management.
• 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, ATVs, boats, 100hp tractors and heavy machinery
• ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (heat, rain, biting insects, rough terrain, etc.)
• ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task

Broadband code: 19-1023-02

Class code: 5028

Region: Northeast

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II

County: St. Johns

Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, position requires occasional early morning, night, or weekend duty and overnight travel.

List of any subordinates supervised: Up to three seasonal staff

Residency requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the Guana River WMA entrance.

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

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.