F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77000796

Requisition No: 864918 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77000796

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000796 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 12/02/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check

Anticipated Vacancy

Position Number: 77000796

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,730.77 + benefits

Supervisor: Cason Pope

Supervisor contact information for inquiries: 941-833-2555, Andrew.Pope@MyFWC.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Position location: Babcock-Webb WMA Field Office, 29200 Tuckers Grade, Punta Gorda, FL  33955

Region: Southwest

County: Sarasota

Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00-5:00, evenings and weekends as required

List of any subordinates supervised: 1 Fish and Wildlife Technician

Residency Requirement: Required to reside within 25 miles of the Babcock-Webb WMA field office.

Our Organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.  

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.

Preferred qualifications: A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field. Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager with experience conducting prescribed burns in Florida.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well with team members and members of the public. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• knowledge of wildlife ecology, game management, wildlife and habitat surveying and inventory
• knowledge and experience with the application of prescribed fire
• knowledge and experience with the chemical and/or mechanical control of vegetation
• knowledge and experience in GIS programs
• ability to identify common and imperiled species

• ability to write technical reports
• ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions
• ability to work productively unsupervised
• strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with cooperators, coworkers, and constituents

• • ability to supervise and motivate field staff
  • skilled in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, etc.)

Description of Duties:

An exciting opportunity exists for a Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist to join a team of employees within FWC’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing a lead Wildlife Management Area (WMA). 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. Primary responsibilities include direct involvement in the development and implementation of management programs for Orange Hammock WMA. This position will be responsible for leading the prescribed burn program on the WMA, which includes managing the area’s prescribed burn team. Job duties also include public hunt management, biological data collection, wildlife surveys, invasive non-native plant control, infrastructure maintenance, and other various habitat management techniques. This position is also responsible for coordination of the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, and reports. The incumbent will also be working with other staff throughout the region to enhance wildlife habitat and promote compatible recreational use for the general public.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.