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Posting Closing Date: 03/25/2025
Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly + benefits
Phone: (561) 624-6989
Supervisor: Danielle Devine
List of any subordinates supervised: 2 Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II positions, 2 Fish & Wildlife Technician positions, and seasonal staff as needed.
Working hours: 8-5 M-F, evening and weekends as required.
Position Address: 11835 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Description of duties: The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.
The FWC is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead a team of Wildlife and Habitat Management Section staff on the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Palm Beach County, Florida. This Lead Area Biologist position will work as a team with other areas within the District or South Region to accomplish land management activities including prescribed burning and nonnative plant control.
In addition, responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the Management Plan; 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 on 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 successful candidate will supervise four full-time staff of two Fish & Wildlife Technicians and two Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II positions and will supervise seasonal hunter check station operators as necessary. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed. Employee housing option (RV pad and hookups) may be available.
About the WMA: The J.W. Corbett WMA (60,498 acres) is home to a variety of wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpecker, American alligator, otter, sandhill crane, and white-tailed deer. Primary habitats include pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and cypress swamps. Prescribed burning and invasive 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 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. 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 2 years of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Supervisory experience. Florida Prescribed Burn Manager. Strong familiarity with both native and invasive vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning. A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the life/physical sciences if preferred.
Residency requirement: Must live within 25 miles of J.W. Corbett WMA. Employee housing option (RV pad and hookups) may be available.
Minimum Qualifications: Six years of experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.
Other requirements: Employment is contingent upon the 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.