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Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2025

$1,923.08 Biweekly, $50,000 Annually

Minimum Qualifications:

7 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required and 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.

Requirements:

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.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position is part of a regional team with FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) and is located in Lakeland, FL. This position is primarily responsible for representing DFFM on freshwater fisheries resources and aquatic habitat issues on lake’s Istokpoga, Placid, June-in-Winter, Josephine, Jackson and other waterbodies within Highlands County.

The incumbent will represent DFFM on the Lake Istokpoga Management Committee as well as participate in stakeholder groups such as the Friends of Istokpoga and Lake Istokpoga Working Group. Incumbent will facilitate the development of interagency partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and cooperative agreements with local governments in order to protect, manage, and enhance fisheries resources. Incumbent will establish and maintain stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local governmental officials, tackle shop owners, fishing guides, outdoor media, fishing clubs, NGOs, etc. to ensure effective, two-way communication with regard to FWC programs and projects. The incumbent will also serve as DFFM representative on various intra- and inter-agency groups.

This position will also be responsible for the management of freshwater fisheries resources within FWC’s Southwest Region (12 counties) as needed. Management activities include fisheries sampling, water quality sampling, investigating fish kills, angler surveys, and aquatic habitat restoration activities.

The incumbent will coordinate with the Southwest Regional Freshwater Fisheries Administrator, Division of Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Freshwater Fisheries Research (FWRI-FFR) staff 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. Incumbent will coordinate with HSC - Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Section staff as well as HSC - Invasive Plant Management personnel to maintain expertise in those areas and ensure that DFFM’s interests are considered when planning projects and other work on freshwater resources.

The incumbent will help oversee implementation of the Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan in conjunction with stakeholders, FWRI-FFR and HSC staff. Design, supervise and implement biological studies on aquatic resources, implement agency established protocols to assess sportfish populations, compile, analyze and interpret biological data and compile technical reports. The person selected for this position will be required to regularly interact with individuals from within and outside the agency, as well as the public.

The incumbent will assist with agency outreach and promotional programs including TrophyCatch at community events, state fairs and outdoor expos. Provides information to the public through presentations, publications, correspondence and media contacts.

The incumbent will maintain and/or coordinate maintenance of agency equipment including vehicles, vessels, outboard motors, generators and trailers. Obtain bids for maintenance and/or construction projects and equipment repairs as needed.

The incumbent will assist in preparing required Division or Commission reports, budgets, work plans, technical papers and other reports as needed. Maintains understanding of current fisheries management techniques through literature research and attendance at conferences and seminars.

This position is responsible for supervising one full-time biological Scientist II position and one seasonal part-time creel clerk.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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 Florida’s freshwater fish and aquatic plants
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications
Skills in the use of scientific and field equipment including electrofishing, nets, depth finders, meters, trucks and vessels
Skills in supervision include setting clear expectations, establishing a positive work environment and maintaining accountability. Knowledge of the principles of adaptive leadership.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
Ability to communicate effectively in-person and virtually to large and small groups
Ability to work with internal and external technical personnel, managers, government officials, riparian landowners and other stakeholders
Ability to work independently and execute work assignments within deadlines
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