Conservation Planner Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 877951 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST IV - 77902403

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902403 

Salary:  $27.30 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 07/27/2026 

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Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position Number:77902403                          

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - Land Use Planning Transportation Specialist                              

Rate: $27.30 hourly--(Grant funded position)

Broadband Code: 19-1023-04

Office/Section: HSC, Conservation Planning Services, Land Use Planning Program

Location: Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee (other FDOT or FWC offices may be considered)

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Supervisor: Laura DiGruttolo for inquiries Laura.Digruttolo@MyFWC.com or (850) 728-5147

Working hours:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., not to exceed 40 hours/week

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirements: None

% Travel Required: +/- 20%

A resume and cover letter should be included with the application package.  For questions regarding this position, please contact Laura DiGruttolo at Laura.DiGruttolo@MyFWC.com or (850) 728-5147.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

Our organization:

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 Office of Conservation Planning Services of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.   

Position Description

This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to landscape-level conservation objectives and benefit a variety of rare and imperiled species and their habitats across the State of Florida.  The incumbent will be part of a team that participates in long-term planning processes of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects around the State of Florida.  By evaluating projects early in the planning phase, this role plays a critical part in ensuring transportation planning supports healthy wildlife populations and preserves essential habitat connections across Florida.  The position is grant-funded pursuant to a long-term interagency agreement between FWC and FDOT.  This position serves as a biologist in the Land Use Planning (LUP) Program in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation's Office of Conservation Planning Services (CPS).  Biologists in the LUP Program gain in-depth knowledge of Florida's environmental regulations and their practical applications, serve the public, and develop an enhanced understanding of listed species habitats and life histories while helping to shape a sustainable future in Florida.  The position works as part of a talented and diverse team and coordinates with wildlife experts throughout the Agency. 

Duties

This position is responsible for assisting CPS with its responsibilities to FDOT for participation in the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process, wildlife permitting, special initiatives related to imperiled species management, and assisting in the training of transportation professionals.  Many of the duties in this position directly contribute to improving wildlife movement, protecting sensitive habitats, and incorporating appropriate conservation guidelines into transportation decisions.  Work involves close collaboration with FDOT, other biologists and wildlife experts throughout FWC, and stakeholders internal and external to the agencies.  This is an office-based position with occasional day trips and, overnight travel, and need to work outside of normal business hours.  Specific duties include:

• Environmental review of transportation projects and technical assistance ahead of regulatory processes.
• Review of protected wildlife species conservation permit applications in accordance with FWC rules and regulations and administrative timelines, including reviewing applications for completion and sufficiency, drafting Requests for Additional Information, drafting permits, and other related functions.
• Acting as a liaison, providing prompt and responsive communication, and developing standard operating procedures for working with FDOT and other agencies.
• Developing and maintaining effective communications between FWC divisions, sections, and work units.
• Coordinating conservation actions for the implementation of the FWC Imperiled Species Management Plan in transportation planning and roadway construction.
• Developing, coordinating, and/or implementing management actions, outreach and communication products, study designs, and monitoring programs.
• Handling issues that may be high profile or controversial with assistance from colleagues and supervisors.  
• Representing FWC at meetings and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma and 7 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 4 of the 7 years of required experience.

Desired Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences, or other closely related curriculum.  A graduate degree and two years of professional experience is preferred.  Specialized experience and education in wildlife biology, land management, upland and wetland ecology, environmental impact review and assessment, transportation, or other related areas is preferred.  Above all,the successful applicant will be self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to excellence in customer service.  Candidates must demonstrate:

• Experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and managing conflict with excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in technical report writing.
• An understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs.
• Experience with imperiled species or their habitats.
• Knowledge of natural resources conservation practices.
• Working knowledge of transportation project planning, principles of wildlife crossing design, and related environmental reviews.
• Working knowledge of federal and state-wide natural resources regulations and environmental permitting processes.
• Experience in using GIS software.

Benefits Available to OPS Employees

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers' Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Potential for participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program - voluntary

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.