Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,730.77 + benefits

Position location: Babcock-Webb WMA, 29200 Tuckers Grade, Punta Gorda, FL  33955

Region: Southwest

County: Charlotte

Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00-5:00, evenings and weekends as required. Occasional overnight travel required.

List of any subordinates supervised: 3 Biological Scientist IIs, 3 Fish and Wildlife Technicians, 1 Staff Assistant, 1 part-time Biological Scientist II, and 1 part-time Fish and Wildlife Technician

Residency Requirement: Required to live within 25 miles of Babcock-Webb WMA field office until completion of on-site permanent housing; anticipated completion in 2027. Camping pad available on-site for short-term housing.

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 Wildlife and Habitat Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.  

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and 6 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 4 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications: A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well with team members and members of the public. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• knowledge of wildlife ecology, game management, wildlife and habitat surveying and inventory
• knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire
• knowledge and experience with the chemical and/or mechanical control of vegetation
• ability to identify common and imperiled species
• ability to write technical reports
• ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions
• ability to work productively unsupervised
• strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with cooperators, coworkers, and constituents
• ability to supervise and motivate field staff
• skilled in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, etc.)

Description of Duties:

An exciting opportunity exists for a Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within FWC’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing a lead Wildlife Management Area (WMA). FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities. Primary responsibilities include direct involvement in the development and implementation of management programs for Babcock-Webb WMA. This position will be responsible for leading the prescribed burn program on the WMA, which includes managing the area’s prescribed burn team. Job duties also include public hunt management, biological data collection, wildlife surveys, invasive non-native plant control, and other various habitat management techniques. This position is also responsible for coordination of the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, and reports. The incumbent will also be working with other staff throughout the region to enhance wildlife habitat and promote compatible recreational use for the general public.