FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77072822

State of Florida•Perry, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section and serves as a critical team member responsible for the management of Big Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and other WMAs as needed. The applicant should be highly motivated and willing to assist a productive team with the challenge of managing wildlife habitat and public recreational opportunities on 90,000+ acres of conservation land in Taylor and Dixie Counties. Duties include but are not limited to: Assist lead area biologists in developing and implementing management programs for the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. Assist with planning and implementing effective habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, water level manipulations, and other projects. Assist with planning, developing, and coordinating projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates. Assist with developing bid specifications, overseeing contracts, and monitoring vendor compliance. Assist with the completion of annual work plans, budget proposals, accomplishment reports, and other administrative tasks. Assist with public hunting and other recreational activities. Conduct wildlife population surveys using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing. Accurately and routinely submit reports of activity and accomplishments using online databases and ArcGIS. Survey habitat types and monitor changes that take place in vegetative communities. Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management. Propose regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles. Participate in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management. Complete other duties or assist on other areas as assigned.

Requirements

A high school diploma and 5 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
Will be required to obtain and maintain a minimum Florida Class E Driver’s License and Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Certification.
Overnight travel associated with training and meeting events will be required.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check
Knowledge in the application of prescribed burning.
Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys, including game and nongame species, collecting and analyzing data, and summarizing results.
Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques, fire ecology, and plant succession.
Applied knowledge of chemical or mechanical control of invasive vegetation.
Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles, farm tractors and implements, ATVs, and outboard motors.
Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds.
Ability to plan and prioritize multiple work assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
Ability to write, edit, and produce scientific reports and summaries.
Ability to use hand tools, including chainsaws, power tools, auger, etc.
Knowledge of GIS software (ArcMap, ArcPro) and handheld GPS units and their applications.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, etc.).

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in a physical or life science or a Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences and experience in prescribed burning.
Familiarity with common outdoor recreation activities.

Responsibilities

Assist lead area biologists in developing and implementing management programs for the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area.
Assist with planning and implementing effective habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, water level manipulations, and other projects.
Assist with planning, developing, and coordinating projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates.
Assist with developing bid specifications, overseeing contracts, and monitoring vendor compliance.
Assist with the completion of annual work plans, budget proposals, accomplishment reports, and other administrative tasks.
Assist with public hunting and other recreational activities.
Conduct wildlife population surveys using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing.
Accurately and routinely submit reports of activity and accomplishments using online databases and ArcGIS.
Survey habitat types and monitor changes that take place in vegetative communities.
Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management.
Propose regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles.
Participate in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management.
Complete other duties or assist on other areas as assigned.