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)

To view more information and apply, click here!

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.

Fish & Wildlife Technician - FWC (Christmas, FL)

OPS- Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902472

Requisition No: 843471 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77902472

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902472 

Salary:  $18.23 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2025 

Working Title:  OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician

Section : Wildlife and Habitat Management

Position number:  77902472

Salary:  $18.23/hour

Address:  3365 Taylor Creek Rd. Christmas, FL 32709

Phone: (407) 568-5893

Supervisor:  Errc Heribacka

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

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a team of biologists and technicians on the William Beardall Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Orange County, FL. This position serves as an OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician on a highly productive team of land managers to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The successful candidate’s primary duties will be to control exotic vegetation using herbicides and mechanical methods but also will be a key team member responsible for all aspects of management of the WMA including the application of prescribed fire.  Habitat improvement is focused on imperiled and locally important species including, but not limited to, northern bobwhite, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gopher tortoise, Bachman’s sparrow, brown-headed nuthatch, and black rail.

Additionally, the position may assist with infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair, including roads, trails, culverts, fences, gates, signs, and buildings. The position will operate, maintain, and repair various equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, heavy equipment, and implements (disc harrows, mowers, sprayers, etc.).  The incumbent will interact with various partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules and regulations. Occasionally the incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed. There may also be opportunities to assist with land management or wildlife monitoring on other WMAs throughout FWC’s Northeast Region.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Preference will be given to applicants that possess the following:

• Ability to operate, maintain, and repair heavy equipment and associated implements

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

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments

• Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities, including hunting

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices, such as prescribed burning and herbicide use for vegetation control

• Familiarity with common invasive plants found in Central Florida

• Basic use of personal computers

• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions

• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 50 pounds

Broadband code: 19-4021-01

Class code: 5031

Region: Northeast

Title: OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician

County: Orange

Working hours:8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, maximum allowable hours per year: 1,920

List of any subordinates supervised:    None

Residency requirement: Within a 25-mile radius of the William Beardall Tosohatchee WMA entrance.

Level of Education: High School or GED

Benefits: Potential to participate in Group health insurance

Other Requirements:   Incumbent must be able to operate ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, and tools.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk or stand for extended time periods at night or in inclement weather.  Must have valid State of Florida driver’s license. Occasional, night, weekend, and overnight travel is required.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 criminal history/background check. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 

Location:  

CHRISTMAS, FL, US, 32709

Nearest Major Market: Orlando

Click here to apply.

Fish/Wildlife Technician - FWC (Punta Gorda, FL)

To view the full posting and apply, click here.

Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2025 

Starting pay rate: $1,346.15 bi-weekly + benefits

Working hours: Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm with occasional assignments outside normal daily working hours. Occasional overnight travel is required. 

Location: Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area – 29200 Tuckers Grade, Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Residency Requirement: 25 miles from the main entrance of Babcock-Webb WMA

Supervisor: Andrew Pope

Description of duties: An exciting opportunity exists for a Fish and Wildlife Technician to join a team of employees within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section in managing the Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Charlotte 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. This position will participate in the application of wildlife habitat management activities including prescribed burning, mowing, chopping, clearing, planting and chemical control of desirable and non-desirable vegetation. This position will also assist with the planning, development and maintenance of projects facilitating public use including parking and road construction, culvert installation, trash pickup, building maintenance and fence, gate and sign construction and maintenance for Babcock-Webb WMA. The incumbent will operate, maintain, and repair equipment and vehicles including trucks, tractors, ATVs, and heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Incumbent will prepare and submit accurate weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for timesheets, purchasing, and accomplishments. Employee will be required to interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations, and will attend regional and divisional meetings and training programs. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to operate, maintain and repair heavy equipment and associated implements

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments

• Familiarization with outdoor recreational activities

• Skilled in construction activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management principles and practices

• Basic knowledge in the use of personal computers

• Ability to operate outdoors under inclement weather conditions

• Ability to frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 40 pounds

• Ability to work productively alone with remote supervision or as a member of a team, and the flexibility to occasionally work long hours and variable schedules, such as nights, weekends, or holidays

Minimum Qualifications:

A highschool diploma and two years of post high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required.

Vocational training or an Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an acreddited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: experience operating and maintaining vehicles and heavy equipment, prescribed burning experience.

Additional Requirements – Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check. Must possess or obtain a valid Class A Florida Commercial Driver’s License within the first 270 days of employment. Position subject to random drug screening.  

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

To apply and view more details, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2025 

Salary: $1,538.46 biweekly + benefits

Working hours: 8am – 5pm Monday - Friday, with occasional assignments outside of normal working hours.

Supervisor: Elysia Dytrych

List of any subordinates supervised: OPS employees as applicable

Residency requirement: Required to reside with a 25-mile radius of Lake Wales Ridge WEA.

Minimum Qualifications:

Four years of direct experience in a life or physical science.

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for the years of required experience.

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 is comprised of six Sections and two offices. An exciting opportunity exists for an entry-level Fish and Wildlife Biologist 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. Responsibilities include assisting with the planning, development and implementation of habitat management programs to maintain and perpetuate native wildlife populations, including participation on the LWRWEA prescribed burn team.

This position is also responsible for the accomplishment of Commission-planned activities such as the following: prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of native and invasive non-native vegetation, design and implementation of biological surveys to monitor the status of selected species, including data analysis and report writing; development and implementation of public recreational programs; proposing regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles; planning, development, and maintenance of projects to facilitate public use including road construction, establishment of parking areas, culvert installation, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates; potentially supervising various OPS staff; and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders.   

Job duties will further include providing assistance with the development and periodic revision of long-range, comprehensive management plans, and will also include providing input and review for the preparation of programs, annual work plans, budget proposals, area regulations, brochures and reports. 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Wildlife ecology

• Game management

• Ability to use chainsaws and hand tools

• Ability to write technical reports

• Wildlife and habitat survey and inventory knowledge

• Ability to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions

• Ability to identify common, non-native and imperiled species

• Ability to work productively unsupervised

• Strong GIS skills

• Strong leadership skills

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with cooperators, coworkers and constituents

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work well in a team as well as independently

Preferred Qualifications: Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, experience with prescribed burning and habitat management, experience working in Central Florida scrub habitats, and experience conducting wildlife surveys.

Science Supervisor - South Florida Water Management District (Estero, FL)

To apply, click here!

Job Description

This position reports to the District CREW Field Office in Estero, FL.
The Land Management Unit within the District’s Land Resources Bureau oversees the planning and implementation of natural resources management functions on District conservation lands.  The CREW Supervising Scientist within the Land Management Unit is a Seasoned Scientist position responsible for administering resource and public use land management functions on over 70,000 acres of conservation lands within the District’s CREW Land Management Region.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide direct administrative and supervisory oversight of two (2) full-time employees and assist in the employee recruitment process when needed.

• Oversee the planning and implementation of all land management functions including, but not limited to, prescribed burning, contracted invasive plant control activities, mechanical vegetation management, and restoration activities within the CREW Land Management Region. Coordinate with District Recreation staff, Florida Fish and Wildlife Biologist, and CREW Land and Water Trust staff on recreational facilities maintenance, research, public outreach, and other approved activities on CREW lands.

• Ensure that all land management functions are performed in an effective and efficient manner.

• Develop and implement Regional annual operational plans and budgets in accordance with District protocols, track expenditures, monitor progress, and prepare Regional accomplishments reports.

• Actively participate in concerted efforts to manage natural resources across political boundaries in South Florida.  

• Coordinate Regional prescribed fires efforts, operate myriad field equipment, conduct aerial inspections, and provide field staff support.

• Where appropriate, recommend process improvements and procedural changes to more effectively and efficiently implement the District’s Strategic Plan.

• Occasionally represent the Section and/or Bureau on District taskforces, at interagency meetings, and in public forums.

Incumbent shall possess strong written and oral communication skills and will be expected to work productively in a group setting with co-workers and other agencies.  Prior supervisory experience is preferred.  Assignments for developmental purposes may include some work that is typical of a higher supervisory or management level.

Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrates knowledge of and skills in:
•           South Florida ecology and ecological restoration principles
•           Practical natural resources management
•           Leadership and personnel management
•           Diplomacy, relationship building, and customer relations
•           Oral and written communication and strategic thinking
•           Consensus and confidence-building
•           Effective organizational skills

Education/Experience Guidelines
Master's Degree in biology, wildlife, or a related natural science discipline and eight (8) or more years of related experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the field of natural resource management.  Previous experience with a county, state or federal natural resource management agency or a comparable organization whose mission includes the conservation and management of natural resources is preferred.  Applicant must be a Florida Forest Service Certified Prescribed Burn Manager with demonstrable experience.  Prior experience should include two (2) years supervising natural resources management staff, or assisting the manager lead a scientific department.  The salary range for this position is $75,171.20 to $88,899.20 (based on education and years of relevant work experience).

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Licenses
Valid State of Florida Driver’s License.  Florida Forest Service Certified Prescribed Burn Manager.

Physical Requirements/ Working Environment
This position requires a combination of office work with periodic professional or business meetings, and field work with regular exposure to hot, humid, and smoky environments in remote, wet, and/or heavily vegetated areas. Incumbent may be required to lift up to 40 lbs.

Due to the District’s response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.

Veteran’s Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other
documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.

Americans with Disabilities Act
The South Florida Water Management District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Bureau at HR_Solutions@sfwmd.gov

Organization

OM5905973 LAND MANAGEMENT UNIT - SOUTH