Job Description

Requisition No: 858345 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000932

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000932 

Salary: $50,000.08 

Posting Closing Date: 08/25/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

$1,923.08 Biweekly, $50,000 Annually

Okeechobee Field Office

3391 SE 27th Court

Okeechobee, FL 34974

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - CS 77000932

Okeechobee, Florida - $50,000  Annually

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

7 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications:   Preference will be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience in a closely-related field or laboratory program; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years professional biological experience in a closely-related field or laboratory program; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a closely-related field or laboratory program can substitute for the required experience.  

Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first thirty days of employment.

 

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license 

Must possess a valid boaters safety education identification card prior to operating any agency vessel. The selected employee must already possess a boater safety card or be willing and able to obtain one within 30 days of hiring. 

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

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Lake Okeechobee is a world-renowned freshwater fishery that supports multiple communities and is the headwater of the Florida Everglades. This position serves as the lead biologist for the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) for Lake Okeechobee.

The selected candidate will represent the Division on issues concerning Lake Okeechobee and surrounding watersheds and provide input to South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Lake Okeechobee water level management and schedules.

Establish and maintain stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local governmental officials, fishing guides, outdoor media, and fishing clubs to ensure effective, two-way communication relative to FWC programs and projects.

Coordinate with Regional Freshwater Fisheries Administrator and Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) staff to develop aquatic restoration, enhancement, aquatic plant management, and other projects that emphasize improving or maintaining sport fish populations, angler access or the creation of new fishing opportunities.

Assist Regional Freshwater Fisheries staff in developing partnerships in aquatic resource management projects with federal, state and local agencies and stakeholders; serve as DFFM representative on intra- and inter-agency groups as assigned; administer the Lake Okeechobee commercial haul seine program for the Division; and collaborate with HSC’s Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement and Invasive Plant Management personnel to maintain expertise in those areas.

Conduct surveys and assist with fish community and angler utilization sampling; identify ongoing and proposed aquatic restoration, enhancement or aquatic plant management sites to determine actual or potential effects to freshwater sportfish population; handle data compilation and analysis to inform management decisions; compose necessary reports to meet the needs of state and federal level reporting.

This position is responsible for supervising two seasonal part-time creel clerks.  
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles of fish and wildlife ecology and management

Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat restoration

Knowledge of fish and wildlife research applications

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications

Skill in the use of scientific and field equipment

Skill in personnel development

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to work with internal and external technical personnel, managers, government officials, riparian landowners and other stakeholders

Ability to work independently

Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to fish and wildlife management

Ability to travel overnight and work flexible hours to meet project objectives

Why should I apply?

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.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit  .

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. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. 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. 

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