Ocean Career: FL FWC Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist

Manatee Management Program Specialist

This is an opportunity to join our team within the Imperiled Species Management Section's Manatee Management Program! This position is responsible for rule development, drafting protection measures for rules, permits and variances and issuance of related permits and variances associated with species and their habitat under the responsibility of the Section. This position will have a focus on rules associated with the Florida manatee, but it will also act as subject matter expert and provide administrative guidance for rule related tasks for marine turtles, Florida panthers, and Florida black bears.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Develops, monitors, and coordinates the establishment of Florida manatee protection zone rules, including producing legal descriptions, technical reports, and related figures;
• Serves as an FWC representative at government and public meetings, administrative hearings, and FWC meetings;
• Collects data and collaborates with internal and external partners, including serving as principal investigator, contract manager, or liaison for these activities;
• Conducts detailed and thorough scientific data analyses to support management decisions;
• Reviews and coordinates requests related to permits, variances, and local government Manatee Protection Zones and maintains complete and detailed records of these actions;
• Provides technical assistance and coordination with FWC staff, law enforcement, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, local governments, and stakeholder groups to conserve, enhance, and protect manatee habitat;
• Participates in the development and revision of county Manatee Protection Plans;
• Monitors Florida legislative session for proposed bills that may impact Division and Section species and shares with appropriate staff;
• Serves in leadership capacity for the section's stranding and salvage carcass recovery program;
• Participates in site visits, data collection, and other miscellaneous field work assignments as needed;
• Assists with administrative and office duties as requested.

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 four of the 7 years of required experience.

Additional requirements:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Previous experience with Florida manatee management or research programs and/or the state or federal environmental regulatory programs, including policy development, is highly preferred. A valid driver's license and the ability to participate in periodic statewide travel is required. Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of terminology, scientific method, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analyses or testing;
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection, particularly for imperiled or listed species;
• Skilled in effective written and verbal communication including public speaking and technical report writing;
• Skilled in administration and organization of tasks and assignments;
• Skilled MS software applications:
  Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required, and Google Earth Pro, ArcGIS 10.5+, ArcGIS Pro, or ArcGIS Online, SharePoint;
• Ability to perform complex quantitative analyses of scientific data;
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;
• Ability to work independently and on teams;
• Ability to review, evaluate, interpret and defend biological data;
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and good time management skills.

Salary: $1,945.56 biweekly + benefits

Final date to receive applications:
October 30, 2025