Description of Duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) 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 original Dinner Island Ranch property (21,714 acres) and the newly acquired Caracara Unit (17,251 acres). Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the WMA specific 10-year management plan; leading and participating in habitat management and restoration activities, including prescribed fire, invasive plant control, and prescribed grazing; developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure are properly maintained; preparing for and conducting wildlife monitoring; developing and managing public use programs, including public hunt operations on the WMA, as well as the Stormwater Treatment Area(s) as needed, and non-hunting recreational opportunities; maintaining land management and wildlife monitoring databases using ArcGIS; writing annual and technical reports; and mentoring and providing support to subordinates.

This position will also work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning and managing waterfowl hunts at the Stormwater Treatment Areas. The successful candidate will excel at communication and have a strong drive to succeed. The position will regularly work independently in the field. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings, as well as various trainings, as necessary.

About the WMA: Dinner Island Ranch WMA is in the heart of old South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. This WMA is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Florida panther, Florida black bear, crested caracara, and American alligator. The habitat is composed of freshwater marshes, mesic hammocks, cypress dome swamps, pine flatwoods, wet prairie, and pasture. Hydrological improvements are underway to improve sheet flow and help restore degraded native habitats. Prescribed burning, invasive nonnative plant control, and cattle grazing are three of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife.

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 Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the [insert name of Section/Office (Section or Office acronym)] of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.  

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.

Additional 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. Successful incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager certification throughout employment in this position.

Preferred qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 the application of prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, grazing, water, and timber management; 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.