Job Description

Requisition No: 866949

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000506

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000506

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits

Posting Closing Date: 01/23/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position number – 77000506

Position Title – Biological Scientist III

Rate of Pay/Salary: $1,730.77 bi-weekly + benefits

Supervisor & Position number – Caity Savoia 77070560

Supervisor Contact Information: caity.savoia@myfwc.com (813) 766-7266

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Class Code: 5074

Position Location: TBD within region (Office in Midway option)

Region: Northwest

County: Escambia to Taylor Counties

Working Hours M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM (Hours may vary with workload and may require work on weekends and non-traditional hours.)

Subordinates Supervised None

Residency Requirement: within Florida, Northwest region

Agency Information:

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.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum qualifications, A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science degree in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience. At least one year of professional wetland conservation experience and at least one year of project leader experience in conservation programs are strongly preferred. A Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences is strongly preferred.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education and numerous agency trainings for professional development.

To apply: In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, a resume and cover letter must be attached describing your interest in this position and relevant experience.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required for the Position

Knowledge of coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems; ability to identify opportunities for and conduct aquatic (marine and estuarine) habitat restoration; knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in aquatic resource management or habitat restoration; knowledge of data collection methods; ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences; ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to write technical reports; ability to pursue grant funding for restoration projects; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders; ability to work independently; ability to occasionally travel; knowledge of personal computers and related software (proficiency in the use of GPS hardware and GIS software is preferred); proficient in small boat and trailer handling

Other job-related requirements for this position:

The ability to spend long hours in and on the water in various weather conditions on a year-round basis. Physical stamina to perform rigorous activities in aquatic environments. The ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water.

Licensure/registration/certification requirements: Valid state driver’s license required. SCUBA open water or advanced open water certification and Boater’s Safety certifications preferred.

of Duties:

This position is within the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section (AHCR). This position will serve as an estuarine and marine habitat enhancement/restoration project manager within the Northwest region, as part of the AHCR multidisciplinary team for aquatic habitat restoration (including marine, estuarine, and freshwater resources) and enhancement of public waterbodies and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife. The position responsibilities span approximately from Perdido Bay through the Steinhatchee River estuaries.

Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to identify, develop, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement projects.

Pursue grant funding for identified aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement projects and with internal and external organization partners. Manage awarded grants to implement projects.

Procure necessary state and federal permits, develop bid documents and contracts, and provide contract management and contractor oversight of approved aquatic habitat projects.

Participate in and provide input to internal and external groups to address issues such as non-native species, resource conservation, environmental resource permitting, public outreach and imperiled species as they relate to aquatic habitat.

Assist in wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling to evaluate and predict environmental response to project activities in coordination with other FWC personnel and external partners.

Create and maintain databases of collected scientific data and maps of project areas using appropriate computer software, including GPS hardware and GIS programs. Prepare, publish and present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets related to aquatic habitat conservation activities including, but not limited to, restoration projects, resource monitoring and biological resource surveys.

Provide oral presentations regarding FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement efforts in the Northwest region from Perdido Key through the Steinhatchee River estuary.

Process or approve, as appropriate, vendor invoices for payment of goods received or services rendered. 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.

Maintain and operate all assigned vehicles, boats, and field and laboratory equipment in working condition.

Work independently with limited supervision. Travel within the region, and occasionally to other regions, to complete job duties and support AHCR projects.

Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.

Acquire and maintain FWC Scientific SCUBA and Airboat/Vessel Operation certification.

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.