Shorebird Guidelines Coordinator, OPS Biological Scientist IV - FWC (Tallahassee)

Shorebird Guidelines Coordinator, OPS Biological Scientist IV – FWC (Tallahassee)

To apply and view more details, click here.

Posting Closing Date: 6/29/2025

Starting Pay Rate:     $24.04/hour

Supervisor:    Laura DiGruttolo, Laura.Digruttolo@myfwc.com

Working Hours:           8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, not to exceed 40 hours per week

Work Location:            Russell Office Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL

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.

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Office of Conservation Planning Services is seeking a fish and wildlife professional to serve in a coordination role for the Division’s shorebird and seabird conservation program.  The focus of this position is on improving conditions for Florida’s beach-nesting birds through coordination with staff to implement conservation actions.

The biologist in this position will have a lead role in implementing conservation measures and permitting guidelines for imperiled beach nesting birds.  Primary responsibilities will include working with subject matter experts to develop tools and resources to implement protection measures for imperiled beach nesting birds, building internal support throughout the agency, creating staff training materials and technical assistance resources, developing outreach and messaging for external partner agencies, and engaging with stakeholders.  The person in this role will coordinate the continuing implementation of regulatory protections and closely with other government entities and partner organizations.  

Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests during state and federal regulatory processes and demonstrate strong skills in conflict management.  Candidates should also have experience providing leadership support to multiple teams, and strong organizational skills.  This position serves as staff in the Land Use Planning Program of the Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS) and as such will help to facilitate cross-divisional implementation of conservation measures and permitting guidelines for imperiled beach-nesting birds and other state-listed species.

Minimum qualifications:

This position requires advanced communication skills, ability to collaborate across workgroups and with other organizations, project management experience, and experience leading teams.  Knowledge of and experience with beach-nesting birds, imperiled species, and coastal ecosystems is highly preferred.  Desired minimum qualifications include:

• Seven years of relevant experience. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the seven years of required experience.

• Knowledge of Florida’s Threatened and Endangered species management system and associated rules.

• Conservation project management experience. 

• Strong leadership, facilitation, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and to lead teams to project completion.  

• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates on multiple projects and efforts.  

• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents, experience with programs that conserve imperiled species or their habitats, and familiarity with land use applications and/or permits. 

• Shorebird and seabird monitoring experience preferred.

OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - FWC (Lake Placid, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/15/2025 

Starting pay rate: $18.23/hr.

Working hours: Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm (maximum allowable hours per year: 1,920)

Supervisor:  Vacant 

List of any subordinates supervised: N/A

Residency requirement: Required to reside within 25 miles of the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area Field Office.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience treating invasive non-native plants. Familiarity with both native and non-native invasive vegetation in Central Florida. Experience with prescribed burning.

Level of Education: High school diploma 

Description of duties: THIS IS AN OPS POSITION. IT IS NOT CAREER SERVICE.

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity is available for a Fish and Wildlife Technician to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area in Highlands County. FWC’s Southwest Region is seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions throughout the year in fulfillment of their job responsibilities, which will include assisting with chemical and mechanical control of desirable and non-desirable vegetation. This position will also assist biologists with wildlife management activities for game and non-game species to include surveys, check station management, accurate technical biological data collection, and prescribed fire. The position will also be expected to prepare and submit accurate daily, weekly, and bi-weekly reports for herbicide application, timesheets, and accomplishments. Finally, this position interacts professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Identification of non-native invasive plant species common to southwest Florida, or the ability to learn

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Experience using ArcGIS and GPS units

• Able to work cooperatively with other members of a team

• Able to professionally represent the agency to members of the public

• Able to lift 50 pounds and work in a variety of rugged field conditions

• Hold a valid driver’s license and and operate 4WD vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs and 4x4 trucks with trailers

• Self-sufficient and capable of troubleshooting maintenance issues that come up in the field

• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions

• Ability to work productively alone with remote supervision or as member of a team.

OPS+ Biological Scientist II - FWC (Lakeland, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2025 

Starting pay rate: $20.83 / hr.

Supervisor: Brianna White 

Working hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm with guaranteed assignments outside normal daily working hours

Address and telephone number: Southwest Regional Office, 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811, (863) 660-8028

Residency requirement: Negotiable; required to work out of a field office (field offices located in Frostproof, Haines City, or Clermont) or the Southwest Regional Office (Lakeland).

Minimum Qualifications:

Five 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 five years of required experience.

Preferred Requirements: A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the life/physical sciences is preferred.

Description of Duties: THIS IS AN OPS POSITION. IT IS NOT CAREER SERVICE.

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity is available for a Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist II to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section by conducting wildlife inventories and monitoring surveys on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Southwest Region. Surveys will be conducted per established protocols and will include, but are not limited to, herpetofauna drift fence arrays, small mammal surveys, mesomammal surveys, and avian point counts. Incumbent shall coordinate with local staff to ensure completion of survey activities as prescribed in Wildlife Conservation, Prioritization, and Recovery (WCPR) Strategies and Land Management Plans. Incumbent will also assist with entering data in the Survey and Monitoring Protocol (SaMP) database and reporting survey results and will be responsible for managing data sets and producing technical reports.

This is a temporary position that is anticipated to last a minimum of four years.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Wildlife biology

• Identification of birds by sight and sound

• Ability to use field guides and keys to identify amphibians, reptiles and mammals.  Assessment and inventory of wildlife and habitat

• Collection and analysis of biological data

• Ability to write scientific reports

• Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and ability to communicate conservation principles to the public

• Ability to organize/plan work assignments and set priorities

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Familiarity with GPS, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office

• Ability to work safely outdoors and tolerate extreme temperatures, high humidity, biting insects and other hazards.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting wildlife surveys multiple taxa using a wide range of techniques in Florida. Ability to operate 4 wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and other equipment.

Land Management Assistant Senior – SFWMD CREW (Estero, FL)

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This position will report to the CREW Management Area Field Office located in Estero, Lee County.

This practitioner level land management position is responsible for performing land management functions administered by the Land Stewardship Section and performs a variety of duties to assure District-owned lands are properly managed for ecological and recreational purposes.  This position is responsible for performing land management activities including the planning and monitoring of invasive plant control contracts, participating in prescribed burns to improve plant diversity and habitat conditions, and preparing Statements of Work for various contracted activities including habitat restoration projects, maintenance activities, debris removal, and mechanical vegetation control.  Additional responsibilities include supervising contractors, posting regulatory and rule signage for site security and public use purposes, conducting gate and fence repairs, conducting invasive plant and mechanical vegetation control activities, performing semi-annual site inspections for resource protection purposes, and addressing unauthorized activities such as illegal dumping or encroachment issues.  Incumbent shall have the ability to operate field equipment including swamp buggies, airboats, farm tractors and implements, and all-terrain vehicles to complete assigned field activities.

Biological Science Technician - USDA (Niceville, FL)

OPEN DATE:                  May 28, 2025

CLOSING DATE:            June 05, 2025                  

POSITION TITLE:           Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) – 1 Position

TYPE OF POSITION:     13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service, (may be extended up to 4 years)

WORK SCHEDULE:     Full Time

ANNOUNCEMENT #:   WS-FL-EAFB-2025

SERIES/GRADE:            GS-0404-04/05/06 depending on qualifications

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL:   GS-0404-06

LOCATION:                       Niceville, FL (Eglin AFB)    (Relocation expenses will not be paid)

SALARY:                             $36,825 to $58,445  per year

Click HERE for the full position description and instructions on how to apply

Wildlife Assistance Biologist (OPS) - FWC (Lakeland, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 06/08/2025 

Salary:  $23.44/hour, 40 Hours per week, not to exceed 1920  hours per Fiscal Year.

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, some nights and weekend work may be required. Overnight travel may be required.

Address: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3900 Drane Field Rd Lakeland FL, 33811

Supervisor: Rhonda Latour, Senior Wildlife Assistance Biologist

Minimum Qualifications:

Six years of relevant experience. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.”

Preference: A Bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with at least two (2) years of wildlife-related professional experience, including experience with wildlife-related education and outreach. 

In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position. 

Cover letters and resumes shall be uploaded to the People First System.

 Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Description of Position: 

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Assistance Biologist. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for human-wildlife conflict issues and provides information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife. Assistance provided to the public or agency staff may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Some fieldwork may occur but is not a regular component of this position. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Assistance Program at outreach events by conducting presentations to citizen groups. The candidate may also conduct site visits and provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment, as necessary. The Wildlife Assistance Biologist works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to: 

·        Coordinate management of human-wildlife conflict situations including those involving bears, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife species.

·        Network to establish clear communication across the agency about emerging wildlife issues.

·        Assist with the implementation of response protocols for human-wildlife conflict situations in coordination with other FWC programs including the Division of Law Enforcement.

 Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

·        Provide technical assistance to the public and other agencies on means to address human-wildlife conflicts and to promote strategies to coexist with wildlife.

·        Maintain familiarity with prevalent conflict wildlife issues and continually identify and share best technical assistance practices and protocols as required.

·        Provide coverage for other regional Wildlife Assistance Biologists as needed.

·        Maintain an accurate and thorough daily log of public correspondence via the Wildlife Impact Management System database.

·        Participate in public outreach efforts as directed to increase appreciation for wildlife and address conflict wildlife abatement or other wildlife-related issues.

·        Assist the regional FWC Public Information Director with media and stakeholder information requests.

·        Respond to requests via the AskFWC program, to answer questions about wildlife or wildlife conflict resolution.

·        Occasionally support the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s management efforts through response activities.

·        Remain up to date on Commission rules and regulations regarding protected wildlife, the take of wildlife, conflict wildlife abatement, and related issues.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

·        Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.

·        Exemplary customer service skills and an ability to interface effectively with the public over the phone on a daily basis regarding sensitive topics.

·        Ability to develop and effectively present educational outreach material to adult audiences

·        Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, data management, and mapping.

·        Knowledge of and experience with wildlife damage control techniques.

·        Ability to identify native and non-native wildlife.

·        Knowledge of wildlife issues in Florida.

·        Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines with minimal, remote supervision.

·        Good organizational and problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

·        Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, stakeholder representatives and coworkers.

·        Ability to safely operate a vehicle.

·        Ability to travel overnight less than 25% of the time.   

Licensure, Certifications or registration requirements: Valid Florida driver’s license

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II - FWC (Holt, FL)

To view more details and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 06/09/2025 

Anticipated salary: $40,000 annually plus benefits

Location:  Blackwater Fisheries Center -  8384 Fish Hatchery Rd. Holt, FL 32564   

Minimum Qualifications:

·         5 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. 

·         A bachelor's degree with a major in biological or physical science can substitute for 4 years of professional experience.

·         Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

·         A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological or physical science - preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture science field and two years of professional experience in an aquaculture setting; or

·         A master's degree from an accredited college or university in biological or physical science, preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture science field.

·         Previous aquaculture experience in culturing and rearing fish intensively (indoor tanks) and extensively (outdoor ponds).

Requirements:
 

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

·         Typical hours are from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.  This position requires periodic work time on weekends, evenings, and in excess of 8 hours/day. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

·         Ability to work outdoors in the heat or cold and in water for extended periods to accomplish job duties.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

FWC seeks a dynamic individual to work as a team member in a freshwater fish hatchery production setting at Blackwater Fisheries Center.    Candidates should possess strong skills and documentable experience in two or more of the following fields:  agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries science/management, aquatic ecology, natural resources management, research, hydrology, entomology, ichthyology, limnology, engineering, basic statistics, and population dynamics. 

Daily activities will include assisting with all aspects of the intensive and extensive production of freshwater fish to meet variable annual goals, including pond preparation, management,  monitoring, harvesting and stocking.  Cleaning and maintaining intensive tanks and raceways.  Coordination with hatchery and regional staff will be required.  Job duties include routine equipment, building, and facilities maintenance. 
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of aquaculture and pond management

·         Knowledge of basic water quality testing techniques and parameters for fish culture

·         Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to aquaculture production

·         Knowledge of project planning

·         Skill in writing (both technical and popular articles)

·         Possess good customer service, telephone, and data management skills

·         Ability to professionally explain Project, Division, and Agency programs, policies, and procedures to the public and other stakeholders

·         Ability to lift and move 60 lbs.

Why should I apply?  

If you are looking to work closely with a dedicated team to carry out fish culture practices and are a self-motivated person who thinks innovatively and is passionate about fish culture and production for the benefit of conservation, this position is for you.  Blackwater Fisheries Center is located in Santa Rosa County, FL. in a rural area within the beautiful Blackwater State Forest with numerous nearby recreational opportunities and close proximity to Crestview, Milton, and Pensacola, FL.