Biological Scientist IV

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management (DMFM) is seeking an individual to join the Analysis and Rulemaking team, which is responsible for developing recommendations for the Commission and implementing fisheries management policy for state-managed saltwater fisheries.

The selected candidate will be involved with the management of different fisheries found throughout Florida, but they will be expected to be the subject matter expert on fisheries issues in the Southwest Region from Hernando County through Lee County. As a DMFM representative in this region, they will be required to interact with stakeholders with diverse perspectives, and coordinate with different divisions within FWC on a variety of tasks related to marine fisheries management. Due to the diversity of partners and fisheries in this region, each week in this role is different from the last. We are seeking someone that is adaptable, willing to learn, and excited to take on new challenges.

This position is a great opportunity to grow your career by developing relationships with other professionals both inside and outside of FWC and building a better understanding of the numerous marine fisheries in Florida.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents DMFM in Southwest Florida, including as a member of internal and external teams in the region and at regional events.
• Works closely with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the Division of Law Enforcement and other relevant FWC Divisions and Offices to identify and address marine fisheries issues.
• Reviews, synthesizes, and interprets relevant fisheries information to inform management recommendations and Commission rulemaking.
• Assists in developing or revising rules, management plans, and other policy documents related to marine fisheries management.
• Conducts public workshops on issues relating to Florida’s fisheries.
• Coordinates with commercial and recreational fishers and other stakeholders to collect information about fishery management topics.
• Works with stakeholders, agencies, and NGOs on issues relevant to Southwest Florida.
• Provides support to supervisor, Section Leader, Division Director, and Regional Director on special assignments as assigned.
• Performs other marine fisheries and FWC-related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of general biological principles, marine fisheries management, and marine fisheries issues.
• Skilled in applying critical thinking to inform recommendations for fishery regulations.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including synthesizing complex information for various audiences.
• Knowledge and ability to analyze fisheries data, stock assessment results, and research publications.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage a workload including multiple projects with potentially short deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint (experience with R, SAS, and ArcGIS is a plus).
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders and team members.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays.

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines.  The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed. 

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible.  Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources.  Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs.  When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.