ECO Magazine
Ocean Career: FWC Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist
ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States
Ocean Career: FWC Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist
6 January 2026 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. Position Overview and Responsibilities:
This position synthesizes technical fisheries assessment information in support of the agency’s marine fisheries rule making process, reviews and interprets stock assessments and fisheries regulations, evaluates life history and fisheries-dependent and independent data, and develops reports and presentations on marine fishery issues. Assists Section Leaders by serving as a subject matter expert about federal fishery management actions, state management of marine fisheries, and Endangered Species Act and state listing proposals affecting fisheries in the Florida Keys. Represents the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at regional events and meetings relating to marine fisheries management. Develops productive working relationships with local fisheries management stakeholders, including recreational and commercial fishermen. Identifies and characterizes local marine fisheries management issues. Reviews and interprets fisheries dependent and independent data and other available scientific information to characterize the status of regional marine fisheries. Develops technical papers and presentations on management of various fisheries affecting Florida to guide and support the Commission’s rulemaking process. Participates in the rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions. Drafts supporting documents in coordination with FWC scientists, law enforcement, and legal staff. Reviews and critiques fisheries stock assessments and regulations of other agencies, including federal regulations, affecting local fisheries. Helps develop advice to Commission on appropriate responses. Coordinates research projects that are relevant to state and federal fisheries management decisions. Develop productive relationships with stakeholders such as other state and federal agencies, universities, private marine-related institutions, and other groups or organizations with an interest in marine fisheries resources. Conducts public workshops, Advisory Board/Workgroup meetings, and other information-gathering meetings on issues relating to Florida’s marine fisheries. Responds to public inquiries regarding marine fisheries issues, including but not limited to life history, license requirements, rules, and regulations in a timely manner. Provides support to Section leaders, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Effective verbal and written communication skills and strong critical thinking skills are required for this position. Applicant must be able to work well with professionals within FWC, partners outside FWC, and with members of the public. Other required knowledge, skills, and abilities include: Knowledge of general biological principles and knowledge of marine fisheries management issues. Skills in Microsoft software including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Teams. Skills in statistical and/or fisheries data analysis. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning skills. Ability to synthesize highly technical information for public dissemination. Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze, and organize marine resource (especially fisheries) information into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials and for coherent presentations to a variety of audiences. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments with potentially short deadlines. Ability to conduct fact finding research and utilize problem solving techniques. Ability to review and interpret fisheries regulations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be willing and able to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays. Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
Knowledge of marine fisheries topics in Florida and the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Minimum Qualifications:
Eight years of professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities provided herein. A post-secondary degree(s) in life or physical science may substitute for the required experience as follows:
Bachelor of Science degree and four years of professional experience.
Or A Master of Science degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience. Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates with a Master of Science degree and three years of professional experience. The global fisheries and aquaculture sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past few decades, transforming from a primarily coastal,…
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6 January 2026 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. Position Overview and Responsibilities:
This position synthesizes technical fisheries assessment information in support of the agency’s marine fisheries rule making process, reviews and interprets stock assessments and fisheries regulations, evaluates life history and fisheries-dependent and independent data, and develops reports and presentations on marine fishery issues. Assists Section Leaders by serving as a subject matter expert about federal fishery management actions, state management of marine fisheries, and Endangered Species Act and state listing proposals affecting fisheries in the Florida Keys. Represents the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at regional events and meetings relating to marine fisheries management. Develops productive working relationships with local fisheries management stakeholders, including recreational and commercial fishermen. Identifies and characterizes local marine fisheries management issues. Reviews and interprets fisheries dependent and independent data and other available scientific information to characterize the status of regional marine fisheries. Develops technical papers and presentations on management of various fisheries affecting Florida to guide and support the Commission’s rulemaking process. Participates in the rulemaking process to help the Commission build a record in support of their decisions. Drafts supporting documents in coordination with FWC scientists, law enforcement, and legal staff. Reviews and critiques fisheries stock assessments and regulations of other agencies, including federal regulations, affecting local fisheries. Helps develop advice to Commission on appropriate responses. Coordinates research projects that are relevant to state and federal fisheries management decisions. Develop productive relationships with stakeholders such as other state and federal agencies, universities, private marine-related institutions, and other groups or organizations with an interest in marine fisheries resources. Conducts public workshops, Advisory Board/Workgroup meetings, and other information-gathering meetings on issues relating to Florida’s marine fisheries. Responds to public inquiries regarding marine fisheries issues, including but not limited to life history, license requirements, rules, and regulations in a timely manner. Provides support to Section leaders, Deputy Director, and Division Director on special assignments as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Effective verbal and written communication skills and strong critical thinking skills are required for this position. Applicant must be able to work well with professionals within FWC, partners outside FWC, and with members of the public. Other required knowledge, skills, and abilities include: Knowledge of general biological principles and knowledge of marine fisheries management issues. Skills in Microsoft software including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Teams. Skills in statistical and/or fisheries data analysis. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning skills. Ability to synthesize highly technical information for public dissemination. Ability to understand, evaluate, analyze, and organize marine resource (especially fisheries) information into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials and for coherent presentations to a variety of audiences. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments with potentially short deadlines. Ability to conduct fact finding research and utilize problem solving techniques. Ability to review and interpret fisheries regulations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be willing and able to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays. Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
Knowledge of marine fisheries topics in Florida and the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Minimum Qualifications:
Eight years of professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities provided herein. A post-secondary degree(s) in life or physical science may substitute for the required experience as follows:
Bachelor of Science degree and four years of professional experience.
Or A Master of Science degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience. Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates with a Master of Science degree and three years of professional experience. The global fisheries and aquaculture sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past few decades, transforming from a primarily coastal,…
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