FWC JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - DMFM - #77072574 - FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV

 DESCRIPTION:

FWC-Division of Marine Fisheries Management 

Position number:  77072574

Title:  Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Location:  Tallahassee, Florida  

Supervisor:  Keith Mille

Salary:  $44,507 annually; $1,711.83 bi-weekly + benefits

Minimum qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years of professional experience in life or physical sciences.  A Master’s degree and two years of experience in life or physical sciences preferred.  SCUBA certification. 

In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First and completing the qualifying questions, applicants are required to submit a current résumé and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and interest in the position.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This position is with FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Artificial Reef Sub-section. The selected candidate will work closely with another Biological Scientist IV and a Biological Administrator to manage grants and contracts for artificial reef development and research, compile, analyze and interpret biological data, implement assessments of artificial reef habitats and compile technical reports. This position is 100% funded through an annual grant to FWC from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. The person selected for this position will be required to regularly interact with individuals from within and outside the agency, as well as the general public.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages multiple assigned artificial reef construction, monitoring, and research contracts with local coastal governments, select 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations and state universities.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other agency managers, state and federal regulatory staff, local coastal government managers, media, public and affected artificial reef stakeholders.
• Serves on an Assessment Dive Team (ADT) which travels statewide to assess and develop reports on the performance/compliance of previously deployed artificial reef projects.
• Assists with maintaining accuracy of the FWC artificial reef deployment and permit database.
• Assists in developing or revising rules, management plans, and other policy documents related to the artificial reef program.
• Provides regulatory review and agency comment on state and federal permits for artificial reef construction.
• Develops visual presentations and speaks at public meetings and workshops when required.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of project work plans and budgets.
• Operates/maintains project equipment including vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, and other field sampling equipment. 
• Responsible for the timely and accurate processing and/or approval of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered.
• Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements for Section 215.422.F.S., related State Comptroller's rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.
• Courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems and matters relating to the Commission or fish and wildlife conservation. Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to work with the general public, public officials, regulatory agencies and local governments and to conduct communications in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to use Arc GIS and other GIS–related software applications.
• Skilled in SCUBA diving (advanced open water certification or higher preferred) and ability to obtain AAUS scientific diving certification through the Commission’s certification process.
• Ability to work effectively in a team situation with one or more individuals in a strenuous field situation over a multi-day period and demonstrate ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in both a close-quarters field working environment and an office environment.
• Ability to operate and trailer vessels up to 25’ in length.
• Ability to successfully work independently on projects that involve coordination, monitoring, problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, graphically, and in writing including production of formal technical and annual reports. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize workloads.
• Ability to think critically and develop logical responses to problems.
• Ability to identify Florida coastal marine fishes and major reef associated invertebrate taxa.
• Ability to endure long work hours and extensive periods of time in the field.
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical activities under arduous conditions (e.g. inclement weather, rough water), lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs, and participate in heavy physical exertion while swimming or diving.
• Knowledge of personal computers and related software (spreadsheet, database, data analysis, digital photo/video processing programs, etc.).
• Knowledge of marine construction and contract management.
• Must be willing and able to travel and work some overtime hours including occasional weekends, and weeknights

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license
• Must possess SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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. 

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. However, applicants claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each application 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. All documentation is due by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. For information on the supporting documentation required, click here. Applicants may fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110.