FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77072773

Requisition No: 840014 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77072773

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072773 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 11/18/2024 

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ANTICIPATED VACANCY

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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

Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Position number: 77072773

Position Address: 11835 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Phone: (561) 624-6989

Supervisor: Danielle Devine 

Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly ($45,000 annually) + benefits

Description of duties: The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.

The FWC is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead a team of Wildlife and Habitat Management Section staff on the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Palm Beach County, Florida. This Lead Area Biologist position will work as part of a team  on J.W. Corbett WMA to accomplish land management activities including prescribed burning and nonnative plant control. In addition, responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the 10-year Management Plan; developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure are properly maintained; providing oversight and participating in hydrologic and vegetative restoration projects; preparing for and conducting wildlife surveys; supporting and conducting public hunts on the WMA, as well as on the Stormwater Treatment Area(s) as needed; developing and promoting non-hunting recreational use; and maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using ArcGIS.

This Lead Area Biologist position will also work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning and nonnative plant control. The successful candidate will supervise four full-time staff of two Fish & Wildlife Technicians and two Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II positions and will supervise seasonal hunter check station operators as necessary. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed. Employee housing option (RV pad and hookups) may be available.

About the WMA: The J.W. Corbett WMA (60,330 acres) is home to a variety of wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpecker, American alligator, otter, sandhill crane, and white-tailed deer. Primary habitats include pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and cypress swamps. Prescribed burning and invasive nonnative plant control are two of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control. Wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to track spending and monitor budgets. Ability to create scientific reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Ability to interact with stakeholders, co-workers, and cooperating agencies in a professional manner. Knowledge of hunting as a wildlife management tool. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Ability to effectively supervise staff. Well-organized, able to communicate effectively, and able to supervise and delegate tasks effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively independently as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized equipment (e.g., swamp buggy, ATV, UTV, tractor).

Preferred Qualifications: At least 2 years of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Supervisory experience. Florida Prescribed Burn Manager certification. Strong familiarity with both native and nonnative vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning.

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region: South

County: Palm Beach County

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, evening and weekends as required.

List of any subordinates supervised: 2 Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II positions, 2 Fish & Wildlife Technician positions, and seasonal staff as needed.

Residency requirement: Must live within 25 miles of J.W. Corbett WMA. Employee housing option (RV pad and hookups) may be available.

Level of Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the physical or life sciences preferred. Four years of direct experience with the duties of this position may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree in a physical or life science.

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.