Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist IV - 77070004

Requisition No / Job Posting: 877901.
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77070004.
Pay Plan: Career Service.
Position Number: 77070004.
Salary: $50,584.67 Annually/$1945.56 Biweekly plus benefits.
Application Deadline / Closing Date: 07/12/2026.
Division: FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Analysis & Rulemaking Section.
Location: 100 8th Avenue, SE, St. Petersburg FL 33701.
Vacancy Status: Anticipated Vacancy.
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Six years of professional experience directly related to fisheries, marine biology, natural resources management, or a closely related field.

A post-secondary degree(s) in a field related to fisheries, marine biology, or a closely related field may substitute for professional experience as follows: two years for an associate degree, four years for a bachelor's degree, and six years for a master's degree.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• An advanced degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in fisheries, marine biology, or closely related field.
• Experience with R, SAS, and ArcGIS.

Requirements

• 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 verifiable 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.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Position Overview and Responsibilities

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. We are seeking someone that is adaptable, willing to learn, and excited to take on new challenges.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Reviews, synthesizes, and interprets relevant fisheries information to inform management recommendations and Commission rulemaking.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other marine fisheries and FWC-related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of general biological principles, marine fisheries management, and marine fisheries issues.
• Skilled in applying critical thinking to inform recommendations for fishery regulations.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including synthesizing complex information for various audiences.
• Knowledge and ability to analyze fisheries data, stock assessment results, and research publications.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage a workload including multiple projects with potentially short deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint (experience with R, SAS, and ArcGIS is a plus).
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders and team members.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays.

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

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.

Why Should I Apply?

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 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.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

Additional Information

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.