Description of duties: The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.  This position is in the Wildlife Habitat Management Section.  

Seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead a variety of wildlife and habitat management projects on the newly acquired Caracara Unit of the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the management plan for the WMA; developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure is properly maintained; providing oversight and participating in hydrologic and vegetative restoration projects; preparing for and conducting wildlife surveys; supporting and conducting public hunts on the WMA, as well as the Stormwater Treatment Area(s) as needed; developing and promoting non-hunting recreational use; and maintaining land management and wildlife survey databases using ArcGIS. The biologist will work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish activities such as prescribed burning. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as trainings as necessary.

About the WMA: Dinner Island Ranch WMA is in the heart of old South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. The 17,251-acre Caracara Unit is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Florida panther, Florida black bear, bobcat, crested caracara, and American alligator. The habitat is composed of freshwater marshes, mesic hammocks, cypress dome swamps, pine flatwoods, and pasture. Prescribed burning and nonnative plant control are two of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, 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 nonnative 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. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Ability to effectively supervise 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 work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized equipment (e.g., swamp buggy, ATV, UTV, tractor).

Preferred Qualifications: At least 1 year of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Strong familiarity with both native and exotic vegetation in South Florida, experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning. 

Education/Experience requirement: Prefer a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences preferred, or at least four years of direct experience with the duties of this position.

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. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options. Participation in the Florida Retirement System. Paid Holidays (10 state holidays plus 1 personal holiday a fiscal year), annual leave (starting accrual is 13 days per year), sick leave (starting accrual is 13 days per year), and straight comp leave (hour for hour any time worked more than 80 hours in a pay period) accrual. Employee will also have the opportunity to participate in the state's tuition wavier program.