Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist III

Description of duties:   

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate for an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead management on the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) in Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida. Split Oak Forest WEA, located just outside of metropolitan Orlando in an increasingly urbanized region, serves as an important link in the Florida wildlife corridor as an area where visitors can experience the natural landscape of central Florida and observe many of the native plant and wildlife species. This position serves as the Lead Area Biologist responsible for habitat management on over 1,650 acres of natural communities including scrubby, mesic, and wet flatwoods, basin marsh, and hammocks to benefit non-game and imperiled wildlife and plant species including the gopher tortoise, gopher frog, Bachman’s sparrow, and wild turkey. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and implementing habitat management and restoration activities including the application of prescribed fire on approximately 450 acres per year as well as conducting various mechanical and chemical treatments, and invasive species management. The incumbent will also assist with management on various other WMAs in the NE region.

Incumbent is responsible for all aspects of running the WEA including the assisting with periodic revision of the management plan; infrastructure management, development and maintenance as required by area management plans; wildlife monitoring and data entry; managing public access; reporting; purchasing; and budget management; and GIS. 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. Occasionally the incumbent will be required to travel to attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

Preference will be given to candidates that have hands on prescribed burn experience and candidates that are Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Managers.

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 knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledge of principles of ecology and wildlife management
• Knowledge of the common and imperiled species of Florida
• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and experience with the application of prescribed fire
• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices including mechanical and chemical vegetation control
• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members
• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarizing biological data
• Knowledge of and experience in ArcGIS and GPS and its application to land management and surveys
• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to identify common and imperiled wildlife species
• Ability to operate outdoors under harsh weather conditions
• Ability to write technical reports
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task
• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, trailers and heavy equipment

County: Orange and Osceola

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

List of any subordinates supervised: 1 OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician

Residency requirement: Required to live within 25-miles of the entrance of Split Oak Forest WEA.

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

Other Requirements: This position is designated as a home-is-office position. Incumbent will be required to complete prescribed burning training to obtain and maintain a FL certified prescribed burn manager certificate within 18 months of hire date. Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background 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.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 

Nearest Major Market: Orlando