Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist II

Description: The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity exists for an entry-level Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area in Highlands County. FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities. Responsibilities include assisting with the planning, development and implementation of habitat management programs to maintain and perpetuate native wildlife populations, including participation on the LWRWEA prescribed burn team.

Responsibilities: This position is also responsible for the accomplishment of Commission-planned activities such as the following: prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of native and invasive non-native vegetation, design and implementation of biological surveys to monitor the status of selected species, including data analysis and report writing; development and implementation of public recreational programs; proposing regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles; planning, development, and maintenance of projects to facilitate public use including road construction, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates; potentially supervising various OPS staff; and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders.    

Job duties will further include providing assistance with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, and will also include providing input and review for the preparation of programs, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, brochures and reports. 

Qualifications: Game management

Ability to use chainsaws and hand tools

Ability to write technical reports

Wildlife and habitat survey and inventory knowledge

Ability to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions

Ability to identify common, non-native and imperiled species

Ability to work productively unsupervised

Strong GIS skills

Strong leadership skills

Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with cooperators, coworkers and constituents

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work well in a team as well as independently

Preferred Qualifications: Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, experience with prescribed burning and habitat management, experience working in Central Florida scrub habitats, and experience conducting wildlife surveys.

Learn more and apply here.