Job Opportunity Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III 77000156

Requisition No: 309921 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Fish and Wildlife Biologists III - 77000156

Position Number: 77000156 

Salary:  $1,456.45 bi-weekly 

Posting Closing Date: 03/03/2021 

Position number: 77000156

Supervisor: Erin McDevitt

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Address: East Central Atlantic Coast Region

 

Description of Duties:

• This position is within the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section (AHCR) Marine/Estuarine Subsection (MESS). The position will work within the East Central Region of the Atlantic Coast of Florida AHCR multidisciplinary team to develop marine and estuarine wetland and aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement projects to benefit fish and wildlife resources along the Atlantic coast of Florida.
• Coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to identify, develop, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement projects. 
• Pursue grant funding for identified restoration and enhancement projects where applicable and with internal and external organization partners.
• Procure necessary state and federal permits required for project implementation. Develop project bid documents and contracts.  Provide contract management and contractor oversight of approved aquatic habitat projects.
• Work across FWC divisions and cooperate with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement FWC’s aquatic habitat conservation and restoration program, including participating in and providing input to internal (FWC sponsored) and external (non-FWC sponsored) groups to address issues such as non-native species, resource conservation, environmental resource permitting, public outreach and imperiled species as they relate to aquatic habitat.
• Assist in the development and implementation of wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling to evaluate and predict environmental response to project activities in coordination with other FWC personnel and external partners. 
• Provide field assistance to estuarine and marine related permitting review and other agency commenting programs as requested.
• Create and maintain databases of collected scientific data and maps of project areas using appropriate computer software. Proficient in the use of GPS hardware and GIS software. 
• Prepare, publish and present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets related to estuarine and marine habitat conservation activities including, but not limited to, restoration projects, resource monitoring and biological resource surveys.
• Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.  Maintain project vehicles, boats, and field and laboratory equipment in working condition.  Assist other AHCR and Commission projects as necessary.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Responsible for timely and accurate processing and or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered. Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements of Section 215.422, F.S., related to State Comptroller’s rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. Meet assigned deadlines and budget requirements.
• Strong background in aquatic resource management and aquatic habitat enhancement methods. 
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Provide oral presentations regarding FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement efforts in the Indian River Lagoon region.
• Proficient in small boat and trailer handling and use of environmental sampling gear.  ability to spend long hours in or on the water in various weather conditions; Physical stamina to perform rigorous activities in aquatic environments; Ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water; Willingness to become SCUBA certified if not already so certified.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required for the Position:

Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis, or testing; knowledge of data collection methods; ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences; ability to conduct aquatic (freshwater and/or marine) habitat restoration, biological studies or analyses using valid scientific methods and techniques; ability to perform quantitative analyses of scientific data; ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to write technical reports and pursue grant funding for restoration projects; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders; ability to work independently; knowledge of freshwater, coastal and/or estuarine ecosystems; ability to travel occasionally and conduct in-water surveys of estuarine and marine natural resources; ability to supervise subordinates effectively; knowledge of personal computers and related software.

Other job-related requirements for this position:

The ability to spend long hours in and on the water in various weather conditions on a year-round basis. Physical stamina to perform rigorous activities in aquatic environments. The ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water.

Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite): Valid state driver’s license required. SCUBA open water or advanced open water certification and Boater’s Safety certifications preferred.

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Region: Northeast

Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County: Brevard to Palm Beach

Office Location: TBD

Working Hours: M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM (Hours may vary with workload and may require work on weekends and non-traditional hours.)

Residency Requirement: N/A

Subordinates Supervised: N/A

Level of Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological sciences (required) and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program OR a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the

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.  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. 

Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach
Nearest Secondary Market: Miami