F & W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77070316

Requisition No: 862052 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: F & W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77070316

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77070316 

Salary:  $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 10/15/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position Number: 77070316

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,730.77 + benefits

Supervisor: Ryan Byrne

Supervisor contact information for inquiries: Ryan.Byrne@MyFWC.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Position location: 1875 E. Orange Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32311

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8am-5pm M-F with some limited overnight travel

List of any subordinates supervised: 0 to 1 staff or interns

Residency Requirement: Tallahassee area

Agency information: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (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 is 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 FWC has six Divisions, including the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This is an opportunity to join the Imperiled Species Management Section.

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and six years of 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 six years of experience. 

Preferred qualifications: Previous experience with State of Florida permitting or regulatory programs and/or Florida manatee or marine turtle management programs are highly desired. Experience with ArcPro, MS Office, and MS SharePoint is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis or management;
• Strong administrative, communication and computer skills;
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection, particularly related to threatened or endangered species;
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data;
• Ability to initiate, manage and lead meetings and create PowerPoint presentations;
• Ability to evaluate, interpret and defend biological data;
• Knowledge of conservation biology principles;
• Skilled in effective verbal and written communication;
• Ability to understand and apply Florida statutes and rules as they relate to conservation issues;
• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and stakeholders;
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints;
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and good time management skills.   

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. A valid driver’s license and the ability to participate in limited statewide travel is required.  Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

Description of Duties: This primarily office-based position is part of the Environmental Commenting Program and assists with developing conservation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts to species with a focus on Florida manatee and marine turtle conservation through the review of permit applications. Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Review permit applications and develop biological opinions to minimize or avoid impacts to protected species for environmental resource permits and other regulatory or planning authorizations such as Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Coastal Construction Control Line permits (CCCL), Sovereign Submerged Lands Leases (SSL), Joint Coastal Permits (JCP), various management plans, comprehensive plan amendments and State Clearinghouse under Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP);
• Provide technical assistance to other sections within the agency, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Port Authorities, and county/city governments;
• Implement county manatee protection plans (MPPs) and conduct MPP consistency determinations;
• Initiate, manage and/or attend meetings and workshops, and create/deliver presentations;
• Act as an agency expert witness in administrative hearings;
• Assist with management of the agency’s Project Tracking System; and
• Perform other duties as required, including, but not limited to: leading team efforts, offering trainings, assisting with lighting inspections and reviewing, evaluating, and commenting on coastal lighting plans and fixtures for potential impacts to marine turtles, assisting with outreach events, assisting with site inspections related to bear and panther management, participating in the agency’s stranding and salvage program, and assisting with other field activities as directed.

How to Apply: In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/), applicants are required to submit a current cover letter expressing their interest in the position and resume highlighting their qualifications. Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System. Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

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.