Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist – Level 3

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Description of Duties:

An exciting opportunity exists for a Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section to assist with the management of Half Moon Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and other WMAs as needed. FWC’s North Central Region is seeking a highly motivated applicant that is willing to take on the challenge of managing wildlife habitat and public recreational opportunities on 10,000 acres of conservation land in Sumter County.

Primary responsibilities will include serving as a Lead Area Biologist responsible for planning, development, and implementation of management programs for Half Moon Wildlife Management Area, in close cooperation with the District Biologist. Plans and implements effective and cost-efficient habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, planting food plots, and other projects. Plans, develops, and coordinates projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates. Develops and oversees bid specifications, contracts, and monitoring of vendor compliance. Completes annual work plans, budget proposals, performance reports, accomplishment reports and other administrative tasks. Coordinates public hunting and other recreational activities, including coordination and operation of check stations. Designs and conducts population surveys of selected species using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing. Surveys habitat types and monitors changes that take place in vegetative communities. Provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management. Proposes regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles. Participates in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management. Responds to nuisance bear complaints, reports of road-killed bears, and other wildlife issues within assigned area. Completes other duties or assists on other areas as assigned.

Experience and proficiency with prescribed burning and/or supervisory experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, and data management/analysis. Experience using ArcGIS. Ability to safely operate vehicles, ATVs, farm tractors, boats, and trailers. Excellent organizational (time management, office organization, information management), customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills. Experience in project management. Ability to work well with minimal supervision, as well as participate actively in teams. Ability to independently manage an array of projects simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working partnerships. Florida flora and fauna identification; prescribed burning; personnel supervision; management and motivation of employees; proficiency with MS Office programs.

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Region: North Central

County: Sumter

Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm, with occasional weekend and after-hours work

Starting Salary: $45,000 annually

List of Subordinates Supervised: Three full time employees, and several seasonal and part-time OPS employees and volunteers

Residency Requirement: None

Level of Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences is preferred. Four years of directly related professional experience can substitute for the required Bachelor of Science degree.

License Requirements: Will be required to obtain and maintain a Florida Class E Driver’s License and Florida Certified Burn Manager Certification.