Requisition No: 814401
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV – 77000136
Position Number: 77000136
Salary: $50,000-$55,000
Posting Closing Date: 10/25/2023
Position: Position: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV
Section: Section: Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northeast Regional Fish Management Section
Location: FWC Kissimmee Fisheries Field Office *Flexible*
1601 Scotty’s Road
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Rate of Pay: Minimum annual salary $50,000 maximum annual salary $55,000 – plus benefits.
Contact: Contact:Scott Bisping: Regional Fisheries Biologist-
Administrator
scott.bisping@myfwc.com
DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES
This position is part of a regional team with FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management and serves as the Fisheries Biologist IV in the FWC Kissimmee Fisheries Field Office. This position will be overseeing the Fish Orlando Program which focuses on bringing quality fishing to families in the Greater Orlando area. This position will is also expected to identify and execute projects related to the FWC’s Florida Trophy Bass Project, which aims to produce more trophy largemouth bass for anglers.
Responsibilities:
- Designing, supervising and implementing fisheries monitoring programs on Fish Orlando waterbodies to help inform management decisions to maintain and/or enhance sportfish populations.
- Designing and implementing projects that utilize innovative fisheries management techniques to manage for Trophy Bass within Florida.
- Coordinate with the other biologists on FWC’s Trophy Bass Team
- Continuing partnerships with local and county municipalities and seeking new opportunities for the Fish Orlando program.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biological data and complete quarterly reports and annual technical reports.
- Coordinate with FWC’s division of habitat and species conservation (HSC) staff to develop aquatic restoration, enhancement, plant management and other projects related to the Fish Orlando Program.
- Supervising one full-time employee and at least two part-time OPS employees.
- Responsible for effectively communicating with various stakeholder groups through multiple media outlets to ensure two-way communication relative to FWC programs and projects.
- Assists Regional Fisheries Administrator in preparing work plans, budgets, performance reports.
- Assists with planning, expansion and execution of special projects as they are required by the division.
Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:
- Knowledge of Florida’s freshwater fish, fisheries, fish population dynamics, and fish management techniques.
- Knowledge and passion for trophy bass management
- Ability to design and conduct biological studies/surveys.
- Knowledge of freshwater aquatic plants and related management techniques.
- Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to fisheries biology.
- Skill in the maintenance and operation of boats, outboard motors, fish sampling equipment, trailers, etc.
- Skill in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, data analysis, fish population analysis programs, etc
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and reasoning in decision making and problem solving.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public, stakeholders, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission staff.
- Ability to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to operate independently to achieve project objectives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience in a field or lab program. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for required experience. A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for the required experience.
- 4 years professional experience in a direct related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree; additional years of experience as described above are also required.
*Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from a Level 1 background check prior to hiring at no cost to the candidate.*
PREFERRED CRITERIA:
In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and interest in the position.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.
Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrual each biweekly
For a more complete list of benefits, 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.
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.