Requisition No: 887002
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000111
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 77000111
Salary: $50,584.67
Posting Closing Date: 11/19/2026
$1,945.56 Biweekly, $50,584.67 Annually
3391 SE 27th Court
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Okeechobee, Florida - $50,584.67 Annually
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.
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.
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.
Lake Okeechobee is a world-renowned freshwater fishery that supports multiple communities and is the headwaters 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 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?
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 https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.
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.
Join Florida’s talented workforce to fulfill your professional goals and achieve a meaningful career. Our talented public servants work hard to serve more than 19 million residents across Florida, and you, too, can realize success in the Sunshine State.
Working in Florida’s state government means being responsive to the issues impacting the taxpayers of our state. Florida’s state government boasts both fast-paced work environments in which critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must as well as steady employment opportunities that prize consistent service to our state’s residents. In some positions, state employment means being able to influence policy decisions and help implement change. In others, state employment means being the reliable resource that our taxpayers have come to expect from Florida’s public servants. All positions offer the ability to gain valuable experience quickly, improving your overall skillset. The State of Florida is seeking individuals with leadership skills, creativity and dedication to their fellow Floridians and individuals who recognize the professional development opportunities and achievements possible through state service.
Florida boasts the third largest population in the country and is richly diverse in both population and landscape. With an award-winning park system, warm weather and beautiful bodies of water, Florida is the perfect environment for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Our favorable tax climate means your income goes further and our business-friendly policies foster private sector growth. Joining Florida’s talented, diverse workforce provides the opportunity to achieve your professional goals while living in a state that values quality of life, culture and recreation. For employment opportunities with the State of Florida, visit https://jobs.myflorida.com.
