Biological Scientist IV

This position synthesizes technical coral and fisheries assessment information in support of the agency’s marine fisheries rule making process, reviews and interprets stock assessments and fisheries regulations, evaluates life history and fisheries-dependent and independent data, and develops reports and presentations on marine fishery issues.

• Supports FWC’s coral restoration efforts through coordinating and managing reports from coral practitioners in the new coral nursery, outplanting and transportation protocols, including responding to coral practitioners as needed.
• Coordinates for FWC between Monroe County, DEP, and FKNMS on Habitat Support Plan for Monroe County, including providing assistance with permitting, project development, and deployment of habitat support structures.
• Works with FWC staff to issue Special Activity Licenses for corals and works with FKNMS on permitting issues relative to corals.
• Meets with coral practitioners as needed to discuss agency coral policies.
• Participates in the rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions.  Drafts supporting documents in coordination with legal staff.
• Serves as a liaison as needed with local, state, and federal agencies on coral and marine fisheries issues.
• Assists senior staff in coordinating research projects that are relevant to coral and fisheries management decisions.
• Works with senior staff in the development of technical papers and presentations on management of various Florida marine fisheries to guide and support the Commission’s rulemaking process.
• Works with senior staff to coordinate with other state and federal agencies, commercial and recreational fishers, and other stakeholders to identify coral and marine fisheries management issues, develop management recommendations, and support the Commission’s management process.
• Assists in conducting public workshops and other information gathering meetings on issues related to Florida’s coral management and marine fisheries issues
• Works with division outreach staff on upcoming regulatory changes to help suggest and prepare articles for regulation publications and regulations chart.
• Reviews Commercial and Recreational regulations brochure prior to publication.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding marine fisheries issues including coral in a timely manner.
• Scans the FWC DMFM web pages for errors and prepares comments for the website.
• Provides support to Section Leader, Deputy, and Division Director on special assignments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.