FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77070004

Requisition No: 839677 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77070004

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77070004 

Salary:  $50,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/11/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Biological Scientist IV

Salary: $50,000.00 annually

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL.33701

Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission

Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Biological Scientist IV- 77070004

Pinellas County

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. Visit our website for more information: MyFWC.com

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

8:00am – 5:00pm Eastern time. Some travel required.

Experience and Education:

• Four years of direct experience conducting marine fisheries research, public outreach on marine fisheries, or in managing marine fisheries; or
• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, marine science, or biology

Those with a master’s degree or PhD, or a bachelor’s and at least two years of work experience related to marine fisheries will be given preference.

Overview:

FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management (DMFM) is seeking an individual to join the Analysis and Rulemaking team, which is responsible for developing recommendations for the Commission and implementing fisheries management policy for state-managed saltwater fisheries.

The selected candidate will be involved with the management of different fisheries found throughout Florida, but they will be expected to be the subject matter expert on fisheries issues in the Southwest Region from Hernando County through Lee County. As a DMFM representative in this region, they will be required to interact with stakeholders with diverse perspectives, and coordinate with different divisions within FWC on a variety of tasks related to marine fisheries management. Due to the diversity of partners and fisheries in this region, each week in this role is different from the last. The person selected should be adaptable, willing to learn, and excited to take on new challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is a great opportunity to grow your career by developing relationships with other professionals both inside and outside of FWC and building a better understanding of the numerous marine fisheries in Florida. You will have a variety of duties in this role, some of which are listed below:

• Represents DMFM in Southwest Florida, including as a member of internal and external teams in the region and at regional events.
• Works closely with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the Division of Law Enforcement and other relevant FWC Divisions and Offices to identify and address marine fisheries issues.
• As a member of DMFM, works with management and research staff and the public to develop management recommendations for Commission consideration.
• Reviews, synthesizes, and interprets relevant fisheries information (e.g., stock assessment results, life history information, regulation history, stakeholder feedback) to inform management recommendations and Commission rulemaking.
• Develops technical papers and presentations and participates in rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions.
• Assists in developing or revising rules, management plans, and other policy documents related to marine fisheries management.
• Conducts public workshops on issues relating to Florida’s fisheries.
• Coordinates with commercial and recreational fishers and other stakeholders to collect information about fishery management topics.
• Serves as liaison with state and federal agencies on issues affecting Florida’s marine fisheries.
• Works with stakeholders, agencies, and NGOs on issues relevant to Southwest Florida.
• Provides support to supervisor, Section Leader, Division Director, and Regional Director on special assignments as assigned.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding marine fisheries issues, including but not limited to life history, license requirements, as well as rules and regulations in a timely manner.
• Performs other marine fisheries and FWC-related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong critical thinking skills, and be able to work well with professionals within the Agency, partners outside the Agency, and with members of the public.
• Other required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
• Knowledge of general biological principles, marine fisheries management, and marine fisheries issues.
• Skills in Microsoft software including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.
• Skills in statistical and/or fisheries data analysis.
• Ability to understand and interpret stock assessment model results.
• Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze and organize marine resource (especially fisheries) information into a logical format in presentations, reports, and other written materials for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effecting working relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to manage a workload including multiple projects with potentially short deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to travel and occasionally work overtime hours, including some weekends and weeknights.
• Ability to review and interpret fisheries regulations.
• Knowledge of marine fisheries topics in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
• Skills in R, SAS, and GIS.

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.