Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Requisition No: 839599
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV – 77073218
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 77073218
Salary:  $1,923.08 biweekly + benefits
Posting Closing Date: 11/11/2024
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FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
Job Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV
Position number: 77073218
Class Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV
Broadband Code: 19-1023-4
Class Code: 5075
Office/Section: Conservation Planning Services, Land Use Planning Program
Location: Vero Beach or Fort Myers –TBD
Facility: Russell Park Building
Supervisor: Josh Cucinella
Salary:$1,923.08 biweekly + benefits
Working hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 40 hours/week
List of any subordinates supervised: None
Years of Experience Desired:  2+
Education: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred

% Travel Required:  +/- 25%

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Description of Duties:This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a wide variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across the State of Florida.  This position serves as a biologist in the Land Use Planning (LUP) Program in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Office of Conservation Planning Services (CPS).  Biologists in the LUP Program gain in-depth knowledge of Florida’s environmental regulations and their practical applications, serve the public, and develop an enhanced understanding of listed species habitats and life histories while helping to shape a sustainable future in Florida.  LUP biologists work as part of a talented and diverse team and coordinate with wildlife experts throughout the Agency.

CPS provides technical assistance to a wide array of private and public sector landowners and local, state, and federal governmental entities on conservation-related issues.  The LUP Program coordinates collaborative consultations for large land use planning efforts that have the potential to impact fish and wildlife resources, particularly those that anticipate going through a regulatory process (Environmental Resource Permits, Section 404, Siting Coordination, County Comprehensive Plan amendments, major watershed initiatives, etc.).  This position will provide technical assistance to stakeholders and partner agencies for land use planning activities and is responsible for tracking, reviewing, and commenting on a variety of complex applications related to changes in land use and environmental permitting.  This position will also focus on partnerships and planning, including reducing impacts to Florida’s imperiled species, reducing habitat fragmentation, and reducing the potential for human-wildlife conflict, including identification of project mitigation that contributes to landscape level conservation objectives.

To excel in this role, the successful candidate must have an understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs, as well as a practical knowledge of native habitat management and recovery techniques suited to various Florida landscapes.  Proficiency in technical writing and the use of GIS software is essential, and candidates will be expected to demonstrate these skills during the interview process.  Ideal candidates will have mastered these knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Much of the work in this position will be conducted from an office during regular business hours, and biologists in the LUP Program enjoy a relatively predictable work schedule with the flexibility to attend site visits or assist other FWC staff in the field when appropriate.    Occasional long days and overnight travel are expected.  Agency supported and individual-specific training will be made available to the person in this position as needed.

Responsibilities may include legislative interactions.  The position is expected to courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation, generally.  It is expected to actively garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Desired Minimum Requirements:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum, graduate degree and two years of professional experience preferred.  Candidates must have experience writing and reviewing technical documents, must have experience with imperiled species or their habitats, and should be familiar with land use applications and/or permits.  Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and be able to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills.  Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service.

A cover letter and resume should be included with the application package.  For questions regarding this position, please contact Josh Cucinella at Josh.Cucinella@MyFWC.com or by phone at (352) 620-7330.

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.