FISH & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77072917

State of Florida•Tallahassee, FL

4d•$45,000 - $48,000

About The Position

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 This position serves as a subject matter expert about state management of Florida reef fish species and assists in the development of technical papers and presentations on Florida fisheries to support the Commission’s rulemaking process. This position also develops and coordinates federal fisheries disaster response plans. The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

Requirements

Six years of professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities provided herein.
A post-secondary degree(s) in life or physical science may substitute for the required experience as follows:
Bachelor of Science degree and two years of direct professional experience.
A Master of Science degree and a minimum of one year of direct professional experience.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
Working hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Some travel is required and may include weeknights, weekends and holidays.
Responses to qualifying questions should be able to be verified by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
Computer proficiency to include skills in Microsoft software including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of general biological principles and knowledge of marine fisheries management issues and topics.
Knowledge of computer software including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability to review and interpret fisheries regulations.
Ability to professionally communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
Working knowledge of state purchasing rules and procedures.
Ability to listen well, ask appropriate questions, and effectively convey information on fishing regulations and other topics.
Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning skills.
Ability to synthesize highly technical information for public dissemination.
Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze and organize marine resource (especially fisheries) information into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents and other written materials and for coherent presentations to a variety of audiences.
Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments.
Ability to obtain appropriate equipment, facilities and materials as necessary to complete work.
Ability to conduct fact finding research to identify essential information and utilize problem solving techniques.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
Able and willing to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays.
Skilled in time management, consistently reports to work and meetings in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to candidates with a Master of Science degree and one year of professional experience.

Responsibilities

Assists Section Leader and Federal Fisheries Team as serving as a subject matter expert about state management of red snapper and other species.
Gathers, synthesizes, and manages fisheries dependent and independent data necessary to characterize and assess the status of fisheries affecting Florida.
Develops technical papers and presentations on management of various fisheries affecting Florida to guide and support the Commission's rulemaking process.
Participates in rulemaking process to help Commission build a record in support of their decisions. Drafts supporting documents in coordination with legal staff.
Helps senior staff develop advice to Commission on appropriate responses regarding federal fisheries topics.
Coordinates with other state and federal agencies, universities, private marine-related institutions, and other groups or organizations with an interest in marine fisheries resources to assist federal fisheries section.
Coordinates with commercial and recreational fishers and other stakeholders to identify and find solutions to federal fisheries management issues.
Assist with the gathering and synthesizing of historical regulatory information to inform on-going and future rulemaking and management decisions. Research historical management actions and decisions in support of division and agency staff.
Develop and coordinate fishery disaster response plans. Assist with initial disaster assessment and audit projects funded by federal fisheries disaster funds.
Collect and submit data for fishery disaster declarations as well as disperse funds and oversee projects once the projects receive funding.
Work with other state agencies, as well as with federal agencies to ensure responses to stakeholders are timely and effective.
Coordinates research projects that are relevant to federal fisheries management decisions.
Conducts public workshops, Advisory Board/Workgroup meetings, and other information gathering meetings on issues relating to Florida’s marine fisheries.
Responds to public inquiries regarding marine fisheries issues.
Provides support to Section leader, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments as assigned.
Performs other related work as required.

Benefits

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 accrued Biweekly
Retirement Plan Options
State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
On the Job Trainings
Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.