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:

Eight years of professional experience in a closely related biological or natural resources management field.

A degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in life sciences, resources management, or physical sciences may substitute for the required experience as follows:

• Bachelor of Science degree and a minimum of four years of professional experience in the biological sciences or natural resources management field,

or

• Master of Science degree and a minimum of two years of professional experience in the biological sciences or natural resources management field,

or

• Doctorate and one year of professional experience in  the biological sciences or natural resources management field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

• Supervisory Experience.
• Skilled in GIS.
• Knowledge of oyster fisheries topics in Florida and the Gulf.
• Experience with government procurement and/or contract management.
• Ability to safely trailer, operate, and collect scientific samples from vessels up to 25’ in length, upon the successful completion of the FWC Basic Vessel Operations Course and Trailer Training Course.

Requirements:

• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based), in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Some travel involved. Not eligible for Telework.
• Must be willing and able to travel and work some overtime hours, including occasional weekends and weeknights.
• Computer proficiency to include skills in ArcGIS and Microsoft software, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and SharePoint.
• 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’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management (DMFM) is seeking an individual to join the Analysis and Rulemaking team. This team is responsible for developing recommendations for the Commission, implementing fisheries management policy, and integrating habitat considerations into fisheries management for state-managed saltwater fisheries.

The selected candidate will lead the team involved in the management and conservation of oysters throughout Florida.

As a DMFM representative, the selected candidate will be required to interact with stakeholders who have diverse perspectives, work with researchers, coordinate with local FWC law enforcement, analyze fisheries data, and play an integral role in restoration activities.

The person selected should be adaptable, willing to learn, and excited to take on new challenges. General job description includes:

• Leads development of rules or rule revisions, management strategies, and other policy documents related to oyster management
• Works with management and research staff and the public to develop oyster management recommendations for Commission consideration.
• Reviews, synthesizes, and interprets relevant fisheries information (e.g., habitat mapping and monitoring data, shell budget analysis, life history information, regulation history, stakeholder feedback, scientific literature) to inform management recommendations and Commission rulemaking.
• Develops technical papers and presentations regarding Florida’s wild oyster resource and participates in rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions. 
• Conducts public workshops on issues relating to Florida’s oyster fishery.
• Coordinates research projects that are relevant to fisheries management decisions.
• Works closely with the Fla. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Division of Habitat Species Conservation, Division of Law Enforcement and other relevant FWC Divisions and Offices to identify and address issues related to oysters.
• Serves as liaison with state and federal agencies on issues affecting Florida’s oyster resource.
• Coordinates with commercial and recreational harvesters and other stakeholders to collect and disseminate information about oyster fishery management.
• Develops, coordinates, and manages competitive procurement and resulting contracts for oyster restoration and cultching projects.
• Advises internal and external partners on oyster restoration and cultching projects.
• Supervises two FTE staff.
• Responsible for hiring, supervising, evaluating, and leading direct reports.
• Responsible for ensuring all work products of direct reports are maintained to the highest possible scientific, technical, and professional standards.
• Responsible for ensuring direct reports undergo continual professional development.
• Provides support to Section Leaders, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments.
• Performs other marine fisheries and FWC-related work as required.

 Examples of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong critical thinking skills, and be able to work well with professionals within the Agency, partners outside the Agency, and with members of the public.
• Knowledge of oyster biology, fishery, cultching, restoration, and habitat.
• Knowledge of general biological principles and knowledge of marine fisheries management issues and topics.
• Knowledge of habitat conservation and management approaches is essential.
• Ability to review and interpret oyster fisheries regulations.
• Analytical skills for managing, analyzing, and summarizing large datasets.
• Ability to think strategically and apply strategy to achieve long-term and complex goals.
• Ability to design and accomplish projects within the framework of the larger strategic vision.
• Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze, and organize marine resource (especially oyster fisheries) information into a logical format in presentations, reports, and other written materials for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including commercial harvesters, anglers, boaters, stakeholders, scientists, and managers.
• Excellent verbal and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills, including the ability to write descriptively and concisely.
• Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding research and utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to think independently and imaginatively.
• Must be a self-starter.