Our Organization: The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and 7 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 7 years of required experience.

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. Required to operate FWC vessels in waters of the state and adjacent federal waters. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the plants, wildlife, natural communities, and ecological processes present in the Florida Keys. Strong interpersonal skills are required to lead, supervise and mentor employees and to develop and leverage partnerships with other agencies. Strong land management skills are required to evaluate habitat conditions, prescribe appropriate treatments and execute those treatments. Applicant must have applied knowledge of wildlife population and habitat management techniques in Florida, particularly mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and have familiarization with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Familiarity with GIS and other technological skills are also requisite for this level of land management. Strong administrative, organizational, and budget management skills are required to manage multiple projects and their associated budget. Job requirements therefore consist of the KSAs described above or a solid foundation of wildlife habitat management in Florida, coupled with the motivation, initiative and proclivity to quickly develop and apply the KSAs listed above.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

Description of Duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) staff in accomplishing a variety of habitat management goals for the benefit of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. This position will oversee a team and lead efforts to accomplish projects across the 5,500 acres of the Florida Keys WEA. This position will also work with cooperative partners on the Frog Pond North Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA), Southern Glades WEA, and Rocky Glades PSGHA. Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the Florida Keys WEA 10-year management plan; leading and participating in habitat management and restoration activities, including invasive plant control, hydrological restoration, developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure are properly maintained; preparing for and conducting wildlife monitoring; developing and managing recreational opportunities and public use programs, including dove field hunts on Frog Pond North PSGHA; maintaining land management and wildlife monitoring databases using ArcGIS; writing annual and technical reports; mentoring and providing support to staff; and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. The successful candidate will excel at communication, leadership, and have a strong drive to succeed. The position will regularly work independently in the field. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

About the WEA: The Florida Keys WEA is composed of approximately 5,500 acres of noncontiguous tracts of land that stretch over more than 80 miles (from Key Largo to just northeast of Key West). These tracts range in size from just a few acres to over 2,000 acres. Though small compared to some other state managed lands, the FKWEA contains some of the best examples of undisturbed tropical hardwood hammocks in the continental United States. Within these hammocks resides a unique combination of imperiled plant and wildlife species. The FKWEA has other natural community types as well, including coastal rock barren, tidal flats, coastal berm, and mangrove swamp.