Biological Scientist IV

$50,000 - $50,000/Yr

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission - Fort Myers, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Fort Myers, FL

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV position at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) involves contributing to the conservation and management of Florida's marine fisheries. The successful candidate will work within the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, focusing on inshore and nearshore marine recreational fisheries. This role includes stakeholder engagement, development of management strategies, and conducting public workshops, all aimed at ensuring sustainable fisheries and habitats in Florida.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to reviews of Florida's inshore and nearshore marine fisheries to inform regional management.
• Contributes to the development of a framework incorporating aquatic habitat and associated metrics into management of Florida's inshore and nearshore marine fisheries.
• Develops technical papers and presentations regarding nearshore and inshore marine fisheries habitats.
• Advises staff in the Analysis and Rulemaking and Federal Fisheries sections on rulemaking that may affect or concern marine fisheries habitats.
• Works with management and research staff and the public to develop management recommendations for Commission consideration related to nearshore and inshore fisheries.
• Conducts public workshops on issues relating to Florida's inshore and nearshore marine fisheries and habitats.
• Coordinates research projects that are relevant to fisheries management decisions.
• Represents DMFM and works with stakeholders, agencies and NGOs on issues relevant to the Panhandle.
• Works closely with various FWC Divisions and Offices to identify and address marine fisheries issues.
• Provides support to Section leaders, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in fisheries, marine science, biology, or closely related field; a master's degree or at least four years of work experience related to marine fisheries is preferred.
• Professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• Knowledge of general biological principles, marine fisheries management, and marine fisheries issues in Florida.
• Effective verbal and writing skills, good judgement in decision-making, and planning skills.
• Ability to synthesize highly technical information for public dissemination.
• Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze, and organize marine resource information for presentation in reports and documents.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate teams.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and complete work assignments.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding research and utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to review and interpret marine fisheries regulations and stock assessments.
• Proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with R programming and ArcGIS software.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities