FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001039

Requisition No: 838772 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001039

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77001039 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 10/23/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Title: Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Position number: 77001039

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly

Location: Okeechobee

Supervisor:  Alyssa Jordan

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Description Of Duties: 
The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section is seeking an aquatic habitat restoration biologist to develop and manage projects on lakes, rivers, and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife resources.  The position will work primarily within and independently of the Lake Okeechobee Florida AHRE multidisciplinary team.

The position identifies aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities, is responsible for project specifications and oversees contractors to complete the habitat project. In addition, the position will interact professionally with the public and partners providing technical expertise on aquatic habitat management. Occasional travel is required to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited to The Following:

• Identify, develop, coordinate, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration projects that maximize benefits to fish and wildlife resources.
• Oversee contractors hired to remove nuisance vegetation and organic sediments, herbicide treatment of aquatic plants, planting of beneficial wetland vegetation species and utilization of other wetland restoration techniques.
• Procure necessary state and federal permits required for project implementation.
• Develop project bid documents and contracts.
• Provide contract management and oversight of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.
• Work across FWC divisions and cooperate with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration program.
• Participate in and provide input to internal (FWC sponsored) and external (non-FWC sponsored) aquatic resource management groups.
• Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling.
• Present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (quarterly/annual/completion reports and management plans) and external (professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets.
• Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.
• Assist other AHRE and Commission projects as necessary.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of principles of aquatic ecology and fish and wildlife habitat management.
• Knowledge of GIS and GPS and its application to habitat management and surveys.
• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
• Have or be willing to obtain S-190/ S-130 Prescribed Burning Certification.
• Proficient in the operation of 4X4 vehicles, ATV’s, swamp buggies and maintenance of project vehicles.
• Proficient in the operation of boats, trailers, and airboats and maintenance of boats, trailers, and airboats.
• Proficient in the use of field equipment and maintenance of field equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, with limited supervision.
• Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions.
• Ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water.
• Ability to conduct in-water/under water work for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours as necessary.

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.