FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000927

Requisition No: 849714 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000927

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000927 

Salary:  $45,000 

Posting Closing Date: 04/15/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Section: Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management – Blackwater Fisheries Center

Working Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000927

Salary: Anticipated salary $45,000 annual plus benefits

Location:  Blackwater Fisheries Center

      8384 Fish Hatchery Rd.

                  Holt, FL 32564  

Blackwater Fisheries Center

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Holt, FL

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.

Minimum Qualifications:
 

• 6 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. 
• A bachelor's degree with a major in biological or physical science can substitute for 4 years of professional experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological or physical science - preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture science field and two years of professional experience in an aquaculture setting; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in biological or physical science, preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture science field.
• Previous aquaculture experience in culturing and rearing fish intensively (indoor tanks) and extensively (outdoor ponds).

Requirements:
 

• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
• Typical hours are from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.  This position requires periodic work time on weekends, evenings, and in excess of 8 hours/day. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to work outdoors in the heat or cold and in water for extended periods to accomplish job duties.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

FWC seeks a dynamic individual to work in a fish hatchery production setting at Blackwater Fisheries Center.    Candidates should possess strong skills and documentable experience in two or more of the following fields:  agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries science/management, aquatic ecology, natural resources management, research, hydrology, entomology, ichthyology, limnology, engineering, basic statistics, and population dynamics. 

Daily activities will include planning, leading, and executing the intensive and extensive production of freshwater fish to meet variable annual goals, including pond allocation and management,  monitoring, and harvesting/stocking; coordination with local and regional staff will be required.  Job duties include routine equipment, building, and facilities maintenance.  This position has direct and indirect supervisory responsibility for 1 Fish & Wildlife Biologist II and 1 OPS Fisheries Technician. 

Rent free housing on-site is available but not required with this position.  Water and trash pick-up is included.  Employee is responsible for monthly electric charges and any internet/satellite service if desired.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 

• Knowledge of aquaculture and pond management
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to aquaculture production
• Knowledge of project planning
• Skill in writing (both technical and popular articles)
• Possess good customer service, telephone, and data management skills
• Ability to professionally explain Project, Division, and Agency programs, policies, and procedures to the public and other stakeholders
• Ability to lift and move 60 lbs.

Why should I apply?  

If you are looking to work closely with a dedicated team to carry out fish culture practices and are a self-motivated person who thinks innovatively and is passionate about fish culture and production for the benefit of conservation, this position is for you.  Blackwater Fisheries Center is located in Santa Rosa County, FL. in a rural area within the beautiful Blackwater State Forest with numerous nearby recreational opportunities and close proximity to Crestview, Milton, and Pensacola, FL.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. 

• Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
• No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
• Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
• 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly
• Retirement Plan Options
• State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
• On the Job Trainings
• Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
• Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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.