OPS- Biological Scientist IV - 77909072

Requisition No: 855161 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- Biological Scientist IV - 77909072

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909072 

Salary:  $26.04 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 07/06/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position Number: 77909072

Position Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

OPS Hourly Rate: $26.04 per hour; maximum of 1,920 hours per year*

Supervisor: Michelina Dziadzio

Supervisor Contact Information: Michelina.Dziadzio@MyFWC.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-04

Position Location: Russell Office Complex, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL 32311

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm; work outside of regular 8-hour schedule is occasionally required

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: Florida

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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: A high school diploma and 7 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 7 years of required experience.

Additional requirements: A resume/Curriculum Vitae and cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Description of Duties: This position serves as the Local Government Coordinator for FWC’s Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section. This position is ideal for wildlife professionals who are eager to make a meaningful impact to conserve imperiled wildlife and their habitats at the local level. The professional in this role will thrive at the intersection of science, policy, and community engagement to protect the future of Florida’s wildlife. Primary duties of this position include local government coordination, promoting habitat management and restoration opportunities, and assisting with the placement of waif and non-releasable gopher tortoises.

This position will collaborate with local governments, state and federal partners, and stakeholders to promote the conservation of imperiled species such as the gopher tortoise, burrowing owl, southeastern American kestrel, bats, and beach-nesting birds. This includes providing technical assistance to local governments to promote the adoption of policies, ordinances, or establishing agreements which benefit imperiled wildlife. The Local Government Coordinator conducts workshops with local entities to highlight opportunities to further enhance species conservation through habitat acquisition and management, regulations and permitting, and community education and engagement.

The Local Government Coordinator will promote the management and restoration of quality habitat for imperiled species by 1) offering financial assistance to restore or enhance gopher tortoise habitat on local government lands, and 2) providing government partners with guidance on available external financial resources and incentives for habitat conservation and management. This position also helps coordinate with partners on the conservation of “waif” and non-releasable gopher tortoises. Waif gopher tortoises are tortoises that have been removed from the wild but are not connected to an FWC relocation permit. This position may also perform other work as directed by their supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Skilled in leadership, partner development, and maintenance of positive working relationships with internal staff, local government staff, partners, and stakeholders
• Skilled in public speaking, including giving presentations to large audiences
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments and stakeholder meetings
• Strong organizational, time, and project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Works effectively in a team environment and independently
• Ability to travel overnight on occasion to attend conferences, meetings, trainings, and host local government workshops

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of local government structure, procedures and programs in Florida
• Understanding of how habitat management techniques and incentive programs benefit wildlife and their habitats
• Experience with coordinating and leading meetings
• Knowledge of general wildlife conservation principles and initiatives
• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and habitats

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may 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. Potential benefits include:

• Potential to participation in state group insurance 
• State of Florida OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan
• Career and professional development training
• *Although OPS positions do not offer paid leave, a maximum of 1,920 hours worked per year provides the employee with the ability to take 160 hours (20 workdays) of unpaid time off per year without reducing their annual earning potential

For a more complete list of benefits of working for the State of Florida, 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.