Ocean Career: Florida FWC Commission Marine Fisheries Biological Scientist IV, Fort Myers

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission 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:

Seven years of professional experience directly related to fisheries, marine biology, or a closely related field.

Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in fisheries, marine biology, or closely related field, and three years of professional experience in the field of natural resources management or research.

or

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in fisheries, marine biology, or closely related field, and two years of professional experience in the field of natural resources management or research.

or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in fisheries, marine biology, or closely related field, and one year of professional experience in the field of natural resources management or research.

REQUIREMENTS:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history record check in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.

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.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

OVERVIEW, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Join the team developing and implementing ground-breaking management strategies for Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries: snook, redfish, and seatrout. The FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management (DMFM) has added a new position to expand the team working to advance the agency’s holistic fisheries management approach for snook, redfish, and seatrout, species central to Florida’s coastal economy and culture.

The person in this position will also serve as the DMFM representative in southwest Florida for inshore fisheries and will be responsible for advising the Southwest Regional Director, developing and strengthening partnerships with other state and federal agencies, and building a network of fisheries stakeholder relationships.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong fisheries management or ecology background who is eager to work on these important species. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing and synthesizing fisheries data to guide statewide management strategies for these species.

In addition, we seek someone outgoing and able to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with stakeholders, agency partners, and the public. The successful candidate should be passionate about fisheries management issues and conserving vital habitats that support redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management and Rulemaking for redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout

  • Review and synthesize data to inform rulemaking and management strategies for fisheries.
  • Develop technical reports and presentations on fisheries and habitat-related topics.
  • Assist in the creation and revision of fisheries regulations and management policies.
  • Conduct public workshops to address marine fisheries issues.
  • Coordinate research projects that impact fisheries management decisions.


Collaboration and Partnerships

  • Represent FWC in partnerships with stakeholders, agencies, NGOs, local government staff, and the public.
  • Work closely with other FWC divisions and external organizations to address fisheries and habitat issues.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment with FWC goals.


Outreach and Education

  • Develop strategic outreach plans to promote sustainable fishing practices and habitat conservation.
  • Engage with recreational and commercial fishers to gather feedback and disseminate fisheries management information.
  • Respond to inquiries about marine fisheries and habitat concerns.


General Duties

  • Provide support to leadership on special assignments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • In-depth knowledge of marine fisheries management and habitat conservation.
  • 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 habitat assessments.
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (experience with R programming and ArcGIS is a plus).
  • Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders and team members.
  • Willingness to travel and work overtime including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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.

Salary:  $50,000.00

Location:

Ft. Myers Area/Home as Office

Must reside within Lee or Charlotte County.

May be relocated to an FWC Office should space become available.

Posting Closing Date: 12/17/2024

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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