FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77001128

Requisition No: 861685 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77001128

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77001128 

Salary:  $50,000 Anually 

Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

$1,923.08 Biweekly, $50,000 Annually

Southwest Regional Office

3900 Drane Field Road

Lakeland, FL 33811

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV- CS 77001128

Lakeland, Florida - $50,000 Annually

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:

• 7 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required and can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference will be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience in a closely-related 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 two years professional biological experience in a closely-related field or laboratory program; or

• A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a closely-related field or laboratory program can substitute for the required experience. 

Requirements:

• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first thirty days of employment.
   
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license 

• Must possess a valid boaters safety education identification card prior to operating any agency vessel. The selected employee must already possess a boater safety card or be willing and able to obtain one within 30 days of hiring. 

• In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and interest in the position.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• This position is part of a regional team with FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) and is located in Lakeland, FL. This position is primarily responsible for representing DFFM on freshwater fisheries resources and aquatic habitat issues on lake’s Istokpoga, Placid, June-in-Winter, Josephine, Jackson and other waterbodies within Highlands County.

• The incumbent will represent DFFM on the Lake Istokpoga Management Committee as well as participate in stakeholder groups such as the Friends of Istokpoga and Lake Istokpoga Working Group. Incumbent will facilitate the development of interagency partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and cooperative agreements with local governments in order to protect, manage, and enhance fisheries resources. Incumbent will establish and maintain stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local governmental officials, tackle shop owners, fishing guides, outdoor media, fishing clubs, NGOs, etc. to ensure effective, two-way communication with regard to FWC programs and projects. The incumbent will also serve as DFFM representative on various intra- and inter-agency groups.

• This position will also be responsible for the management of freshwater fisheries resources within FWC’s Southwest Region (12 counties) as needed. Management activities include fisheries sampling, water quality sampling, investigating fish kills, angler surveys, and aquatic habitat restoration activities.

• The incumbent will coordinate with the Southwest Regional Freshwater Fisheries Administrator, Division of Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Freshwater Fisheries Research (FWRI-FFR) staff and Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) staff to develop aquatic restoration, enhancement, aquatic plant management, and other projects that emphasize improving or maintaining sport fish populations, angler access or the creation of new fishing opportunities. Incumbent will coordinate with HSC - Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Section staff as well as HSC - Invasive Plant Management personnel to maintain expertise in those areas and ensure that DFFM’s interests are considered when planning projects and other work on freshwater resources.

• The incumbent will help oversee implementation of the Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan in conjunction with stakeholders, FWRI-FFR and HSC staff.  Design, supervise and implement biological studies on aquatic resources, implement agency established protocols to assess sportfish populations, compile, analyze and interpret biological data and compile technical reports.  The person selected for this position will be required to regularly interact with individuals from within and outside the agency, as well as the public.

• The incumbent will assist with agency outreach and promotional programs including TrophyCatch at community events, state fairs and outdoor expos.  Provides information to the public through presentations, publications, correspondence and media contacts.

• The incumbent will maintain and/or coordinate maintenance of agency equipment including vehicles, vessels, outboard motors, generators and trailers. Obtain bids for maintenance and/or construction projects and equipment repairs as needed.

• The incumbent will assist in preparing required Division or Commission reports, budgets, work plans, technical papers and other reports as needed. Maintains understanding of current fisheries management techniques through literature research and attendance at conferences and seminars.

This position is responsible for supervising one full-time biological Scientist II position and one seasonal part-time creel clerk.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the principles of fish and wildlife ecology and management

Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat restoration

Knowledge of fish and wildlife research applications

Knowledge of Florida’s freshwater fish and aquatic plants

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications

Skills in the use of scientific and field equipment including electrofishing, nets, depth finders, meters, trucks and vessels

Skills in supervision include setting clear expectations, establishing a positive work environment and maintaining accountability. Knowledge of the principles of adaptive leadership.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments

Ability to communicate effectively in-person and virtually to large and small groups

Ability to work with internal and external technical personnel, managers, government officials, riparian landowners and other stakeholders

Ability to work independently and execute work assignments within deadlines

Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to fish and wildlife management

Ability to travel overnight and work flexible hours to meet project objectives

Why should I apply?

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.  As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.

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.