FWC Panther PES Biologist, OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist III - FWC (Fort Myers, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2025

Hourly Rate: $22.00

Supervisor: Zachary Wardle

Supervisor contact information for inquiries: Zachary.Wardle@MyFWC.com

Working hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm; work hours may vary due to nature of work

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: Southwest Florida

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and six 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 six years of required experience. A Graduate Degree in a relevant field can substitute for two of the six years of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience working with private landowners is highly desired. Proficiency in MS Office, MS SharePoint, Google Earth, and ArcGIS is preferred.

Additional Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. A valid driver’s license is required. The majority of travel will be within south and central Florida, but statewide travel may occasionally be expected. This position may be required to work some weekends and after regular business hours.

 

Description of Duties: This is a 2-year term position focused on the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program under the purview of the FWC’s Panther Management Program. The candidate must be a strong self-starter with excellent communication and public speaking skills who is outgoing, independent, motivated, professional, and able to work with a diverse array of people. The Panther PES Biologist will implement the PES program in collaboration with staff from the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program. Duties include but are not limited to:

  • fostering long-term partnerships with program participants,

  • maintaining trail cameras and associated image data on enrolled lands,

  • assisting with habitat assessments,

  • planning/presenting landowner workshops,

  • conducting outreach efforts to a variety of audiences (e.g., commercial cattle producers, homeowners, conservation groups, students, sportsmen) about PES and living with panthers,

  • planning focus groups and surveys to engage with landowners and monitor program outcomes and,

  • panther field response to pet/livestock depredations, vehicle strikes, telemetry flights, capture efforts, plus potential for limited bear field response opportunities.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Florida panther or puma biology and their habitats and a broad knowledge of wildlife science and ecology;

• Knowledge of carnivore research, management, and conflict minimization techniques;

• Knowledge of private lands conservation, habitat management practices, and effective measures for working with private landowners;

• Knowledge of effective measures for conducting outreach about carnivore science and conservation for various audiences;

• Knowledge of government processes and procedures;

• Skilled in effective communication (oral and written) with peers and stakeholders;

• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;

• Ability to work independently and on teams;

• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor;

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments;

• Ability to write technical reports and agency correspondence;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public, and stakeholders;

• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism;

• Ability to safely operate vehicles;

• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions in high heat and humidity and exposure to biting insects and venomous snakes; and

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential night, weekend, and/or holiday work hours. Limited overnight travel may be required.

How to Apply: Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a cover letter and resume in addition to the state application. Application packets without a cover letter, resume, and state application will not be considered for the position.  Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.