Inshore Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 877906 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 77073287

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77073287 

Salary:  $50,584.67 Annually/$1,945.56 Biweekly 

Posting Closing Date: 07/12/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - Career Service Position with Benefits

Pensacola, FL

$50,584.67 Annually/$1945.56 Biweekly plus benefits

FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Analysis & Rulemaking Section/Inshore Fisheries

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - CS 77073287

Pensacola, FL - $50,584.67 Annually/$1945.56 Biweekly plus benefits

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. Visit our website for more information: MyFWC.com.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six years of professional experience directly related to fisheries, marine biology, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
• A post-secondary degree(s) in a field related to fisheries, marine biology, or a closely related field may substitute for professional experience as follows: two years for an associate degree, four years for a bachelor's degree, and six years for a master's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• An advanced degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in fisheries, marine biology, or closely related field.
• Experience with R, SAS, and ArcGIS.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. 

• Working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Some travel is required and may include weeknights, weekends and holidays.
• Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
• Computer proficiency to include skills in Microsoft software including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Join the team developing and implementing ground-breaking management strategies for Florida's most popular inshore fisheries: snook, redfish, and seatrout. This team works to expand FWC's holistic fisheries management approach for snook, redfish, and seatrout, species central to Florida's coastal economy and culture.

The person in this position will also serve as the DMFM representative in Florida's western Panhandle for inshore fisheries and will be responsible for advising the Northwest Regional Director, developing and strengthening partnerships with other state and federal agencies, and building a network of fisheries stakeholder relationships.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong fisheries management or ecology background who is eager to work on these important species. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing and synthesizing fisheries data to guide statewide management strategies for these species.

In addition, we seek someone outgoing and able to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with stakeholders, agency partners, and the public. The successful candidate should be passionate about fisheries management issues and conserving vital habitats that support redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Management and Rulemaking for redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout.

• Review and synthesize data to inform rulemaking and management strategies for fisheries.
• Develop technical reports and presentations on fisheries and habitat-related topics.
• Assist in the creation and revision of fisheries regulations and management policies.
• Conduct public workshops to address marine fisheries issues.
• Coordinate research projects that impact fisheries management decisions.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Represent FWC in partnerships with stakeholders, agencies, NGOs, local government staff, and the public.
• Work closely with other FWC divisions and external organizations to address fisheries and habitat issues.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment with FWC goals.

Outreach and Education

• Develop strategic outreach plans to promote sustainable fishing practices and habitat conservation.
• Engage with recreational and commercial fishers to gather feedback and disseminate fisheries management information.
• Respond to inquiries about marine fisheries and habitat concerns.

General Duties

• Provide support to leadership on special assignments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of general biological principles, marine fisheries management, marine fisheries issues and habitat conservation.

• Skilled in applying critical thinking to inform recommendations for fishery regulations.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including synthesizing complex information for various audiences.
• Knowledge and ability to analyze fisheries data, stock assessment results, and habitat assessments.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage a workload including multiple projects with potentially short deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (experience with R programming and ArcGIS is a plus).
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders and team members.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays. 

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed. 

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible.  Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources.  Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs.  When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
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.