Lead Area Biologist (Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III)

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’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead a team of Wildlife and Habitat Management Section staff on the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area located in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing habitat management efforts including prescribed burning and non-native plant management; providing oversight and participating in hydrologic and vegetative restoration projects; preparing for and conducting wildlife surveys; supporting and conducting public hunts (including waterfowl hunting on Stormwater Treatment Areas 2 and 3/4); developing and promoting non-hunting recreational use; maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using ArcGIS, developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure is properly maintained; and leading other effective projects consistent with the area specific Management Plan. This Lead Area Biologist position will work as a team with other WMAs within the District and South Region on activities such as prescribed burning to accomplish management goals beyond Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. The successful candidate will supervise three full-time staff (one Fish & Wildlife Technician and two Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II positions) and will supervise seasonal hunter check station operators as necessary. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as necessary. 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife biology, 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, and exotic plant 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. Ability to prepare detailed regulation recommendations pertaining to hunting and other recreational activities. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Previous experience demonstrating the effective supervision of 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 safely transport and operate specialized equipment including airboats, tracked vehicles, and swamp buggies outside, sometimes under inclement weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications: At least 2 years of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Willing and able to conduct wildlife surveys from aircraft. Strong familiarity with both native and exotic vegetation in South Florida, experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning.