Science Supervisor

SCIENCE SUPERVISOR

Job Description

This position will be stationed in Homestead.

This position is within the Land Resources Bureau, the Land Stewardship Section, and the Land Management Unit. The Land Management Unit oversees the planning and implementation of natural resource management functions on District conservation lands. The Everglades Supervising Scientist within the Land Management Unit is a Seasoned Scientist position responsible for administering resource and public use land management functions on over 62,500 acres of conservation lands within the District’s Everglades Land Management Region (i.e., District lands in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee the planning and implementation of all land management activities including prescribed burning, invasive plant control, mechanical vegetation treatment, and restoration activities within the Everglades Region.
• Provide direct administrative and supervisory oversight of two (2) full-time employees and assist in the employee recruitment process when needed.
• Coordinate with District Recreation staff and external partners, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local County staff, on activities such as recreational facilities maintenance, research, and public outreach on District lands.
• Ensure all land management functions are performed in an effective and efficient manner.
• Develop and implement Regional annual operational plans and budgets in accordance with District protocols, track expenditures, monitor progress, and prepare accomplishments reports.
• Maintain land management databases using ArcGIS.
• Actively participate in concerted efforts to manage natural resources across political boundaries in South Florida.
• Coordinate Regional prescribed fire efforts, operate specialized field equipment (e.g., airboats, Argo, UTV), and provide field staff support.
• Ensure equipment and infrastructure is properly maintained.
• Where appropriate, recommend process improvements and procedural changes to more effectively and efficiently implement the District’s Strategic Plan.
• Occasionally represent the Section and/or Bureau on District taskforces, at interagency meetings, and in public forums.

The incumbent shall possess strong written and oral communication skills. The incumbent will be expected to work productively in a group setting with co-workers and other agencies or partners. Prior supervisory experience is preferred. Assignments for developmental purposes may include some work that is typical of a higher supervisory or management level.

Demonstrates knowledge of and skills in:

• South Florida ecology and ecological restoration principles
• Practical natural resources management
• Leadership and personnel management
• Diplomacy, relationship building, and customer relations
• Oral and written communication and strategic thinking
• Consensus and confidence-building
• Effective Organizational Skills
• Ability to work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized equipment (e.g., airboat, Argo, UTV).

Education/Experience Guidelines:
Master’s degree in biology, wildlife, or related natural science discipline and eight (8) or more years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.  Previous experience with a county, state or federal natural resource management agency or a comparable organization whose mission includes the conservation and management of natural resources is preferred. 

Applicant must be a Florida Forest Service Certified Prescribed Burn Manager with demonstrable experience. Prior experience should include two (2) years supervising natural resource management staff or assisting the manager leading a scientific department. Prior experience operating airboats preferred. The hiring range for this position is $76,689.60 to $86,881.60 (based on education and years of relevant work experience).

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.