Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist III

The FWC’s Northwest Region Wildlife and Habitat Management Section is seeking a highly motivated lead area biologist to plan, develop, and implement management activities to manage wildlife populations, improve wildlife habitat and provide public recreational opportunities on the newly acquired Telogia Creek Wildlife Management Area in Liberty County. This position will be stationed at a field office within the East District of the Northwest Region and is an exciting opportunity to positively impact wildlife conservation and habitat management.

Specific duties include: collection, manipulation, analysis, and presentation of biological data; leading and participating in habitat management activities including prescribed fire; developing and promoting public use programs, including public hunt operation and non-hunting uses; setting management objectives consistent with agency directives; developing plans; developing and managing budgets; and writing reports and technical papers. The successful candidate will supervise one full-time Fish and Wildlife Technician and seasonal check station operators as needed. Candidates will need to excel at communication and have a strong drive to succeed.

Plans and implements effective and cost-efficient habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, and other projects. Plans, develops, and coordinates projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates. Develops and oversees bid specifications, contracts, and monitoring of vendor compliance. Completes annual work plans, budget proposals, performance reports, accomplishment reports and other administrative tasks. Coordinates public hunting and other recreational activities, including coordination and operation of check stations. Designs and conducts species population monitoring of selected species using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing. Surveys habitat types and monitors changes that take place in vegetative communities. Provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management. Proposes regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles. Participates in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management. Responds to nuisance bear complaints, reports of road killed bears, and other wildlife issues within assigned area as needed. Completes other duties or assists on other areas as assigned.

Preference will be given to applicants that are a Florida Certified Burn Manager, have prior experience in the direct application of prescribed fire, and/or those with prior experience in managing natural communities in Florida,

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys with an emphasis on game species, analyzing data, and summarizing results. Experience with the use of ArcGIS and GPS and its application. Possess proficient writing skills. Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles, ATVs and land management equipment. Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds. Experience with supervision of others on the job. Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers. Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Strong land management skills are required to evaluate habitat conditions and to plan, prescribe and complete appropriate habitat treatments. Applicant must have applied knowledge of wildlife populations and habitat management techniques in Florida, particularly the application of prescribed fire and mechanical and chemical vegetation control. GIS and other technological skills are also requisite for this level of land management. Job requirements therefore consist of the KSAs described above, or a solid foundation of habitat management in Florida, coupled with the motivation, initiative, and proclivity to develop and apply the KSAs listed above.