Description of Duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Moore Haven, FL. This position serves as an OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida’s residents and visitors.

Primary responsibilities are assisting with the planning, development, and implementation of hydrologic, habitat, and wildlife management programs for the WMA. This includes conducting wildlife surveys (crested caracara, swallow-tailed kites, Florida scrub jays, and other wildlife inventories), hunter check station operation (including the collection of biological samples from harvested game), application of prescribed fire, conducting chemical and mechanical invasive plant management and oversight, archaeological resource monitoring, water level monitoring, maintaining area grounds, organizing and entering wildlife survey data, preparing and submitting administrative and biological reports, maintaining equipment in a safe and useable condition, assisting the lead area biologist with various projects as assigned, and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders. The position will regularly work independently in the field. 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. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

About the WMA: Fisheating Creek WMA encompasses over 18,000 acres of beautiful, untamed habitat including cypress swamps, scrub, dry prairie, floodplains, oak hammocks, and pasture. Fisheating Creek is the only undammed tributary into Lake Okeechobee, making it a natural wonder. It is home to black bears, gopher tortoises, alligators, Florida scrub jays, bobcats, Florida panthers, migratory birds, and many other fascinating wildlife species. It attracts members of the public for a variety of recreational opportunities, including hunting, airboating, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and 5 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 5 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. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong familiarity with both native and non-native vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning. 

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

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Ability to navigate using GPS units and aerial maps. Knowledge of threats and issues facing Florida wildlife and habitats and the ability to create creative solutions. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and invasive 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. Well-organized and able to communicate effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively unsupervised alone as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to operate outside under inclement weather conditions and specialized off-road vehicles.