PENDING RECLASSIFICATION BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77000805

Requisition No: 427783

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: *PENDING RECLASSIFICATION* BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77000805

Position Number: 77000805

Salary: $1,247.40 biweekly plus benefits

Posting Closing Date: 08/11/2021

** PENDING RECLASSIFICATION TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I **

OCCUPATION PROFILE

TITLE:

Biological Scientist I

SECTION:

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Southwest Region

LOCATION:

Southwest Regional Office

3900 Drane Field Road

Lakeland, FL 33811

RATE OF PAY:

$1,247.40 biweekly plus benefits

CONTACT:

Matt Stevens | Matt.Stevens@myfwc.com

DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES:

This position is part of a regional team with FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management and located in Lakeland, FL. The selected candidate will assist with the management of freshwater fisheries resources in Florida's Southwest Region (12 counties), implement agency established protocols to assess sportfish populations, and assist with stakeholder interactions and agency report writing. The person selected for this position will be required to regularly interact with individuals from within and outside the agency and the general public.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establishes and maintains interagency partnerships, stakeholder relationships and cooperative agreements with local governments to protect, manage, and enhance freshwater fisheries resources
• Establishes and maintains stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local governmental officials, tackle shops, fishing guides, outdoor media, fishing clubs, Non-Government Organizations (NGO's), etc. to ensure effective, two-way communication relative to FWC programs and projects
• Assists regional biological staff with development and implementation of regional work plan activities including but not limited to fisheries sampling, pond maintenance, creel surveys, public outreach, public speaking, fishing events, and data entry
• Assist in drafting/editing of quarterly, annual, and other agency reports
• Operates/maintains trucks, electrofishing boats, creel survey boats, outboard motors, trailers, and all other required sampling equipment
• Maintenance of regional fish feeders and aquatic aeration systems
• Develop and maintain outreach materials such as brochures and kiosks
• Investigates fish kills and pollution-related events
• Assist with aquatic habitat enhancement activities
• Promotes agency programs such as TrophyCatch and Big Catch
  
  All FWC staff are expected to 1) courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission's programs or fish and wildlife conservation; 2) seek to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive manner. Additionally, you will be responsible for timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and warrants for payments of goods, and responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements of Section 215.422, F.S. related to State Comptroller's rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.
  
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles of fish and wildlife ecology and management
• Knowledge of Florida's freshwater fish and aquatic plants
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat restoration
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife research applications
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications
• Knowledge of basic boat, motor, and trailer maintenance and repairs
• Skilled in the use of scientific and field equipment
• Skilled in operating boats up to 30ft in length
• Skilled in pulling and backing trailers
• 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 conduct public speaking
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. for short distances
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to fish and wildlife management
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and in remote locations
• Ability to travel overnight and work flexible hours to meet project objectives
  
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a life or physical science.
  
  DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of relevant professional experience in a field or policy program; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field.
  
  In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume.
  
  POSITION DETAILS:
  Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday
  
  This position requires travel up to 25% and work time outside of regular scheduled hours.
  
  State of Florida Benefits Include:

• Health and Dental packages
• Supplemental Insurance options
• Paid Annual and Sick Leave
• Paid holidays (11)
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Tax Deferred Investment Plan - Voluntary
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts - Voluntary
• Free Basic Life Insurance benefit for $25,000 with additional options to increase
• Tuition Waiver
• Uniform Allowances
  

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. 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.