FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77001039

Requisition No: 876427 

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: 06/07/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check

Position Number: 77001039

FTE Biweekly Rate of Pay:$1,730.77 + benefits

Supervisor: Alyssa Jordan --for inquiries: 863-697-2181; alyssa.jordan@myfwc.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code:5074

Position location: Okeechobee Field Office

Region: South

County: Okeechobee

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

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: N/A

Agency information:

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 and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section (AHCR) 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. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience

Additional requirements: In addition to submitting a completed State of Florida electronic application and completing the qualifying questions, applicants must attach a cover letter and up to date resume to be considered. Submitted cover letter should at a minimum explain your interest in working with the Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Subsection and identify your most relevant skills and experience.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. 

Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license.  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 three days of employment.

Preferred qualifications:

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.

Description of Duties:

The Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section (AHCR) 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.

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.