OPS-Biological Scientist IV

Requisition No: 851028

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS-Biological Scientist IV - 77904002

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77904002

Salary: $24.11 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 04/30/2025

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Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

F&W Biological Scientist IV – Florida Shorebird Alliance Coordinator – OPS Position

$24.11 per hour

1105 SW Williston Road

Gainesville, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist IV – OPS 77904002

Gainesville, FL - $24.11 per hour

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.

Minimum Qualifications:
7 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor’s degree is required.

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 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 of professional experience as described above; 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 experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.

Experience with creating content for effective outreach and social marketing.

Knowledge of shorebird biology, conservation, and management.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

The candidate will work closely with diverse teams, partners, and stakeholders to achieve conservation goals. Preference will be given to those with experience communicating and working with the public, developing conservation marketing strategies, and proven effective partnership collaborations.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

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.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

FWC is seeking a motivated, collaborative individual with the skills and enthusiasm to serve as the Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to conservation of shorebirds in Florida. The FSA is a statewide network of partners focused on conservation of shorebirds and seabirds (shorebirds) in Florida. The FSA Coordinator is directly responsible for leading the partnership network and supporting the agency’s mission.

The FSA Coordinator cultivates an active network of partnerships including volunteers, local governments, land managers, and conservation professionals to achieve monitoring and management goals for imperiled shorebirds in Florida. The FSA Coordinator participates in FSA Partnership meetings, serves as a key member of FWC’s shorebird program, and supports several internal teams focused on the program’s strategic efforts. Beyond the network of local partnerships, the position has opportunities for engagement with regional and national efforts to conserve beach-nesting birds.

The FSA Coordinator is responsible for creating content for external communications through various forms including presentations at partnership meetings, newsletters, social media campaigns, media responses, and the FSA website. This position also supports the program through internal communications including facilitating, leading, and participating teams, leading essential program staff meetings, and maintenance of shared libraries.

The FSA Coordinator works with FWC communications staff, biological experts, the data team, and program leads to post relevant media content on social media pages, responds to media inquiries, and identify new platforms and create new content to amplify and expand the FSA and shorebird conservation mission.

Overnight travel is required (up to 10% of time) to attend partnership and team meetings, support partnership efforts across the state, and promote strategic communications for the shorebird program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Familiar with shorebird and seabird biology and management in Florida

Highly skilled in partnership development and coordination

Experience with a spectrum of online communication tools including Microsoft sharepoint, website management software, newsletter builders

Knowledge of conservation communication principles

Experience implementing conservation marketing strategies

Experience leading interdisciplinary teams to achieve conservation goals

Ability to communicate technical information effectively verbally and in writing

Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs

Experience working and communicating with the public

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, prioritize and complete work assignments

Ability to innovate solutions

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may 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.

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.