The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) seeks two qualified individuals to work at the interface between anglers and fisheries to manage, enhance, and promote freshwater fishing opportunities in Southwest Florida’s aquatic resources.
This position is part of a regional team with FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management and is located in Lakeland, Florida.
Two positions are available in Lakeland, Florida. The selected candidate will be responsible for the management of freshwater fisheries resources in FWC’s Southwest Region (12 counties) as needed.
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This position will coordinate with regional project staff and other agency staff to help design and implement biological studies on aquatic resources, implement agency established protocols to assess sportfish populations, conduct aquatic resource management and enhancement activities, interact with agency stakeholders, compile, analyze and interpret biological data used to write 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 general public.
PAY RANGE: minimum annual salary $35,606.74 maximum annual salary $39,167.41- plus benefits.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Assist with management of lakes, rivers and streams within the FWC’s Southwest Region. Helps develop and implement fisheries management goals related to Southwest Region resources including: management and maintenance of Fish Management Areas, coordination with program cooperators and other governmental agencies, fisheries sampling, fish stocking, and educational outreach endeavors.
· Works with Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement section as well as Invasive Plant Management personnel to design and implement habitat maintenance and improvement projects.
· Develops partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, as well as stakeholders to accomplish aquatic resource management projects.
· Establishes and maintains stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local governmental officials, tackle shop owners, fishing guides, outdoor media, fishing clubs, conservation groups, etc. to ensure effective, two-way communication relative to FWC programs and projects.
· Assist with freshwater fisheries resource monitoring utilizing established sampling methodologies and gear.
· Helps investigate fish kills and pollution-related events on state waters.
· Provides technical assistance to the public through telephone, written communication, presentations and lectures.
· Assists with the preparing educational materials such as new releases, brochures and visual aids.
· Data compilation, management, and analysis (including statistical analysis).
· Drafting/editing of quarterly, annual, and completion reports.
· Assists in the development and monitoring of project work plans and budgets.
· Operates/maintains project equipment including vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, and other field sampling equipment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
· Knowledge of Florida’s freshwater fish, fish population dynamics and fish management techniques.
· Knowledge of freshwater aquatic plants and related management techniques.
· Knowledge of aquatic habitat restoration techniques.
· Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to fisheries biology.
· Knowledge of freshwater fisheries sampling techniques and related gear.
· Ability to work with internal and external personnel, managers, government officials, riparian landowners, and other stakeholders.
· Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers.
· Ability to operate independently to achieve project objectives.
· Skilled in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, data analysis, fish population analysis programs, etc.
· Ability to design and conduct biological studies/surveys.
· Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and in remote locations.
· Skilled in the operation of boats, outboard motors, trailers, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
· 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 candidate must already possess a boater safety card or be willing and able to obtain one within 30 days of hiring.
· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a life or physical science.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a life of physical sciences and two years of professional experience in a field or laboratory program; or
· A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a life or physical science.
· Background in fisheries science with experience in biological field sampling and the use of fisheries-related sampling equipment.
· Be willing and able to travel out of the office location area, stay overnight, work weekends and put in extended hours when necessary.
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 DETAILS:
Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST, Monday through Friday
This position requires periodic work time on weekends and evenings. Occasional overnight travel is required.
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 accrual each biweekly
For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/. You can apply for this position by visiting the FWC here.
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