SCIENCE SUPERVISOR

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is a regional governmental agency responsible for managing and protecting water resources in South Florida. The District's mission encompasses flood control, water supply, water quality improvement, and natural systems restoration. One of its key components is the stewardship and management of protected lands that support these goals. Among these protected lands is the Everglades Land Management Region, where the District oversees more than 62,500 acres across Broward and Miami-Dade counties. These conservation lands require careful and expert resource management to enhance ecological health and public use while maintaining sustainability and restoration efforts.

The Land Resources Bureau, specifically its Land Stewardship Section and Land Management Unit, is charged with the critical role of planning, implementing, and supervising natural resource management activities within the District’s conservation lands. The Unit focuses on balancing ecological restoration with responsible land management practices and recreational use. As part of this mission, the District is currently seeking a seasoned professional to fill the role of Science Supervisor located at the Homestead Field Station. This employment opportunity is a full-time position that commands a salary range from $76,689.60 to $86,881.60, commensurate with education and experience levels.

The Science Supervisor position is a leadership role demanding a master’s degree in biology, wildlife, or related natural science, with substantial experience—ideally eight or more years—in natural resource management and career progression in this field. The candidate must have experience managing conservation lands, overseeing land management techniques such as prescribed burns, invasive species control, mechanical vegetation treatment, and ecological restoration projects. The role also involves supervising full-time employees, coordinating with multiple external partners including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local county agencies, and maintaining essential data using GIS technology.

The individual in this role will oversee the development and execution of regional annual operational plans and budgets, track expenditures, and prepare accomplishments reports that reflect progress on natural resource management goals. A crucial part of this position involves collaboration with other agencies across political boundaries in South Florida to ensure cohesive natural resource management on a landscape scale. The role requires hands-on field work operating specialized equipment such as airboats, Argo vehicles, and UTVs, and maintaining equipment and infrastructure critical to operational success.

Effective communication skills, both spoken and written, are essential, as is the ability to build relationships and foster cooperation among diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments where teamwork and leadership are vital. Supervisory experience in natural resource management is preferred, along with the requisite certifications including Florida Forest Service Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and Herbicide Applicator License. Physical demands include exposure to hot, humid, and smoky field conditions and the ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

This position occasionally requires participation in emergency response related to natural disasters and storms affecting South Florida. The District also values veteran applicants and provides accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal opportunity access to the employment process. Joining the South Florida Water Management District means becoming part of a dedicated team focused on protecting one of the nation’s most unique and critical ecosystems while supporting public use and environmental stewardship.