Fish and Wildlife Biologists III - 77000156

Requisition No: 838052 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Fish and Wildlife Biologists III - 77000156

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000156 

Salary:  $38,039.54-$135,988.15 

Posting Closing Date: 10/13/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Title: Fisheries & Biological Scientist III position for MESS East Central – Atlantic Coast Region

Position number: 77000156

Location: East Central – Atlantic Coast Region

Supervisor: Annie Roddenberry 

Starting Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly + benefits

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Description of Duties:

This position is within the Marine/Estuarine Subsection (MESS) Subsection of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section (AHCR). This position will serve as a project manager within the East Central/Indian River Lagoon region, as part of the AHCR multidisciplinary team for aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement of public waterbodies and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife. The position responsibilities span from approximately from Titusville south to Jupiter Inlet.

Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to identify, develop, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement projects.

Pursue grant funding for identified marine and estuarine restoration and enhancement projects and with internal and external organization partners. Manage awarded grants to implement projects.

Procure necessary state and federal permits, develop bid documents and contracts, and provide contract management and contractor oversight of approved aquatic habitat projects.

Participate in and provide input to internal and external groups to address issues such as non-native species, resource conservation, environmental resource permitting, public outreach and imperiled species as they relate to aquatic habitat.

Assist in wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling to evaluate and predict environmental response to project activities in coordination with other FWC personnel and external partners.

Create and maintain databases of collected scientific data and maps of project areas using appropriate computer software, including GPS hardware and GIS programs.

Prepare, publish and present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets related to estuarine and marine habitat conservation activities including, but not limited to, restoration projects, resource monitoring and biological resource surveys.

Provide oral presentations regarding FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement efforts in the Indian River Lagoon region.

Process or approve, as appropriate, vendor invoices for payment of goods received or services rendered. Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements of Section 215.422, F.S., related to State Comptroller’s rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Maintain and operate all assigned vehicles, boats, and field and laboratory equipment in working condition. 

Work independently with limited supervision. Travel within the region, and occasionally to other regions, to complete job duties and support AHCR projects.

Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor. 

Acquire and maintain FWC Scientific SCUBA certification.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required for the Position:

Knowledge of coastal and estuarine ecosystems; ability to identify opportunities for and conduct aquatic (marine and estuarine) habitat restoration; knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis, or testing; knowledge of data collection methods; ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences; ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to write technical reports; ability to pursue grant funding for restoration projects; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders; ability to work independently; ability to occasionally travel; knowledge of personal computers and related software (proficiency in the use of GPS hardware and GIS software is preferred); proficient in small boat and trailer handling

Other job-related requirements for this position:

The ability to spend long hours in and on the water in various weather conditions on a year-round basis. Physical stamina to perform rigorous activities in aquatic environments. The ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water.

Licensure/registration/certification requirements: Valid state driver’s license required. SCUBA open water or advanced open water certification and Boater’s Safety certifications preferred. 

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03 

Class Code: 5074

Region: Northeast and South

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County: Brevard to Palm Beach

Office Location: TBD

Working Hours: M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM (Hours may vary with workload and may require work on weekends and non-traditional hours.)

Residency Requirement:  N/A

Subordinates Supervised: N/A

Level of Education:

Prefer a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program, OR a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience preferred, OR six years of directly related experience.

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.