FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001039

State of Florida•OKEECHOBEE, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section (AHCR) is seeking an aquatic habitat restoration biologist to develop and manage projects on lakes, rivers, and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife resources. The position will work primarily within and independently of the Lake Okeechobee Florida AHRE multidisciplinary team. The position identifies aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities, is responsible for project specifications and oversees contractors to complete the habitat project. In addition, the position will interact professionally with the public and partners providing technical expertise on aquatic habitat management. Occasional travel is required to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Requirements

A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience
Knowledge of principles of aquatic ecology and fish and wildlife habitat management.
Knowledge of GIS and GPS and its application to habitat management and surveys.
Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
Have or be willing to obtain S-190/ S-130 Prescribed Burning Certification.
Proficient in the operation of 4X4 vehicles, ATV’s, swamp buggies and maintenance of project vehicles.
Proficient in the operation of boats, trailers, and airboats and maintenance of boats, trailers, and airboats.
Proficient in the use of field equipment and maintenance of field equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task.
Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, with limited supervision.
Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions.
Ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water.
Ability to conduct in-water/under water work for extended periods of time.
Ability to work outside of normal business hours as necessary.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, coordinate, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration projects that maximize benefits to fish and wildlife resources.
Oversee contractors hired to remove nuisance vegetation and organic sediments, herbicide treatment of aquatic plants, planting of beneficial wetland vegetation species and utilization of other wetland restoration techniques.
Procure necessary state and federal permits required for project implementation.
Develop project bid documents and contracts.
Provide contract management and oversight of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.
Work across FWC divisions and cooperate with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration program.
Participate in and provide input to internal (FWC sponsored) and external (non-FWC sponsored) aquatic resource management groups.
Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling.
Present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (quarterly/annual/completion reports and management plans) and external (professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets.
Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.
Assist other AHRE and Commission projects as necessary.