Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Agency information

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.

The Division of Habitat & Species jobshiringnearme.org is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Imperiled Species Management Section (ISM) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife jobshiringnearme.org Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species jobshiringnearme.org.  

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience.

Additional requirements: Previous experience with State of Florida permitting or regulatory programs and/or Florida manatee or marine turtle management programs are highly desired. Experience with ArcPro, MS Office, and MS SharePoint is preferred. A valid driver’s license and the ability to participate in limited statewide travel is required.

Preferred qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis or management;
• Strong administrative, communication and computer skills;
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection, particularly related to threatened or endangered species;
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data;
• Ability to initiate, manage and lead meetings and create PowerPoint presentations;
• Ability to evaluate, interpret and defend biological data;
• Knowledge of conservation biology principles;
• Skilled in effective verbal and written communication;
• Ability to understand and apply Florida statutes and rules as they relate to conservation issues;
• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and stakeholders;
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints;
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and good time management skills.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in Application, resume and cover letter.

description of Duties: This primarily office-based position is part of the Environmental Commenting Program and assists with developing conservation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts to species with a focus on Florida manatee and marine turtle conservation through the review of permit applications. Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Review permit applications and develop biological opinions to minimize or avoid impacts to protected species for environmental resource permits and other regulatory or planning authorizations such as Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Coastal Construction Control Line permits (CCCL), Sovereign Submerged Lands Leases (SSL), Joint Coastal Permits (JCP), various management plans, comprehensive plan amendments and State Clearinghouse under Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP);
• Provide technical assistance to other sections within the agency, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Port Authorities, and county/city governments;
• Implement county Manatee Protection Plans (MPPs) and conduct MPP consistency determinations;
• Initiate, manage and/or attend meetings and workshops, and create/deliver presentations;
• Act as an agency expert witness in administrative hearings;
• Assist with management of the agency’s Project Tracking System; and
• Perform other duties as required, including, but not limited to: leading team efforts, offering trainings, assisting with lighting inspections and reviewing, evaluating, and commenting on coastal lighting plans and fixtures for potential impacts to marine turtles, assisting with outreach events, assisting with site inspections related to bear and panther management, participating in the agency’s stranding and salvage program, and assisting with other field activities as directed.