Vegetation Sampling Technician/Intern - Brosnan Forest, Dorchester, SC

Dates: June 26-July 25, 2025

Brosnan Forest is hiring 5 technicians to sample woody vegetation in a large wetland/stream restoration project near Dorchester, South Carolina. You will learn to identify over 100 Carolina coastal plain wetland plants and gain experience in standard vegetation monitoring methodology. We offer internship credit, $20/hour compensation, and onsite housing (small dorm). The work is full-time on weekdays June 26 to July 25 (22 days total). The job offers excellent work experience. Brosnan Forest is a beautiful property with sustainable forests, a large endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population and other incredible wildlife.

We work in teams of 3, each led by an experienced ecologist, to survey transects within restored areas, identify and count plants, measure survivorship, and take photopoints. It is hard, hot work in the full sun, and we are often standing in up to a foot of water, bending over or standing in place for long periods of time. You must provide your own field gear (boots, sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray, drinks, field lunch). No bathrooms or other facilities are available during the workday. We generally work from sunrise to about 3pm.

Successful candidates will be enrolled in or have recently completed a biological science degree program. You must be comfortable and competent with long days in the field working in wetlands, understand basic vegetation sampling methods and plant identification, and possess ability to endure extreme heat, biting insects, high water conditions, and work in remote settings. Experience with vegetation identification is a plus.

To apply, please contact Monica Folk:

Email: MonicaFolk@embarqmail.com

Office: 407-870-8603

Cell: 407-508-0739

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

To view more details and to apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 02/23/2025 

Location: Russell Park, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL 32311 preferred; one of FWC’s regional offices may be considered based on applicant’s qualifications

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits

Supervisor: McKayla Susen

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm

Work outside of regular 8-hour schedule may occasionally be required.

List of Subordinates Supervised: Interns (1-2)

Residency Requirement: None

Level of Education: Prefer a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience. Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences or two years of professional experience in conservation programs, preferred. Years of experience can substitute for a degree.

A resume or CV and cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. 

 

Description of Duties.  The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.  The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) is seeking a fish and wildlife professional for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This position requires a passion for conservation, dedication to working with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to work creatively to address conservation challenges.

This is a full-time employment position that is eligible for all career service state employee benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition waivers for continuing education and numerous agency trainings for professional development.   

This position serves as the Species and Habitat Monitoring Coordinator within the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section of FWC. This role serves as a key team member responsible for monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of plans and actions that promote the conservation of Florida’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This may include identifying monitoring needs, tracking progress towards program goals, and evaluating effectiveness of actions on a landscape scale. This position also applies adaptive management and assists with revisions to Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan, Imperiled Species Management Plan, and Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, when applicable.

This position leads coordination and maintenance of FWC’s species conservation status and trend database, identifying and setting timelines and priorities, updating guidance documents, and providing training and assistance to staff. This position also maintains other datasets including conservation action tracking data and occasionally community science data. To be effective in this position, the candidate should be skilled at leveraging technologies to analyze, improve, and implement new tools to collect and manage species and habitat data.

The biologist hired for this position will serve as a leader, member, and/or statewide representative on various teams to achieve program goals. They will be expected to speak publicly to further Florida’s conservation mission; this may include presenting at internal FWC meetings, external working groups, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events. In addition, this position assists with written communication materials by compiling, summarizing, and analyzing data, as well contributing to written reports.

This position serves as the Wildlife Conservation and Management intern coordinator and will be responsible for advertising, interviewing, mentoring, and supervising 1-2 interns throughout the duration of their internship each semester.

Although this is not a field position, there are opportunities for assisting with field-based projects.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation. The preferred candidate will have strong organizational skills (time management, project management, data management), customer service, problem-solving skills, and proactively embrace new responsibilities and drive project development. Prior understanding of or experience with scientific and/or technical writing is important. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and should demonstrate proficiency in using technical and scientific expertise to inform and execute projects. The ability to work 40 hours a week with occasional overnight travel for conferences, meetings, trainings, and other relevant activities is required.

 

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of Florida’s fish and wildlife, ecology, and natural communities. Familiarity with conservation plans pertaining to Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and monitoring the effectiveness of conservation activities is strongly preferred. In addition, the candidate should have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, contribute to a team setting, and be able to work independently. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS Online is desired.  

OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC (Jacksonville, FL)

To view more details and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 02/11/2025 

$19 per Hour

Jacksonville, FL

 

Minimum Qualifications:

4 years’ professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience. 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences.  Preference also may be given to candidates demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, experience identifying finfish to species, or relevant experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs.

 

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

The successful candidate will be required to work a flexible schedule that will often require working weekends and holidays, for long durations (10 or more hours), early in the morning and late at night. Direct contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry daily is required, and the selected candidate will be expected to represent the Commission in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

The selected candidate will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without direct supervision.

The selected candidate will be primarily home-based and will also have access to facilities at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute field station in Jacksonville, FL. Frequent day-time travel throughout Duval and Nassau counties, traveling to St Johns, Flagler, or Volusia counties as needed.   To learn more about the MRIP and SRFS projects, visit:  

http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/

 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries in East Central Florida by assisting with new and ongoing marine recreational fishing surveys.  Duties will include but are not limited to:  Conducting dockside interviews with recreational anglers to gather data on catch rates, effort, gear, and area fished; sampling fish dockside to collect accurate length and weight measurements and biological samples for age, growth, and reproduction; processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols; conducting data entry using tablets, personal computers, and database software; troubleshooting equipment and reviewing data for quality assurance; and participation in public outreach efforts as appropriate.  Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by the section supervisor.

      This project work will be paid for through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations.

      Funding is guaranteed through fiscal year 24/25. Continued funding is dependent on the extension of the project or on new grants or funding being awarded.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

Knowledge of fish morphology and identification of marine fishes to species; statistical survey sampling methods and data collection. Ability to: communicate to the public effectively with tact and diplomacy; to work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision; to gather, maintain, and analyze data; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective work relationships; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; operate a personal computer; maintain frequent contact with field staff and supervisors;  work under adverse conditions, maintain a valid driver’s license, work long hours early in the morning and late at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed.

OPS Biological Scientist II – FWC (Gainesville, FL)

To apply and learn more, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 02/28/2025 

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Freshwater Fisheries Research Section

$20.00 per hour

7386 NW 71st Street

Gainesville, FL

Minimum Qualifications:
5 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: A master’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university; or

Experience in aquaculture pertaining to freshwater mussels. 

 

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Freshwater Invertebrate Conservation Group is seeking a motivated individual to assist program coordinators with planning, directing, and implementing the recovery of the Suwannee moccasinshell (Medionidus walkeri) in the Suwannee basin. Responsibilities include: supporting propagation and rearing of freshwater mussels; maintaining fish and mussel systems; establishing a mobile propagation trailer adjacent to the Santa Fe River for streamside propagation; assisting with host fish and mussel broodstock collection; overseeing infestations; rearing annual cohorts of native mussels; reintroducing cultured propagules into the upper Santa Fe River; implementing mussel surveys and monitoring at reintroduction sites; managing databases associated with fish and mussel collection, genetics, inoculation, and propagation of mussels; assisting supervisor with production of reports, scientific publications, posters, and presentations; and other duties as assigned by supervisor. 
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of methods used to sample, identify, and maintain freshwater mussels and fishes.

Knowledge of mussel and fish culture and ecology.

Knowledge of setting up and maintaining all aspects (i.e. water quality, flow rate, filtration, etc.) of aquaculture and hatchery systems.

Knowledge of maintenance associated with water quality, flow rate, appropriate rearing parameters, and feeding regimens for various species.

Experience performing minor repairs and maintenance of buildings, aquaria, filtration and circulation systems, and other equipment related to the husbandry of freshwater species.

Ability to conduct aquatic field work outdoors for long hours in inclement conditions.

Ability to work independently and in a research team environment.

Ability to write legibly and record data accurately.

Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines.

Ability to operate a computer with a Windows operating system.

Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Ability to enter recorded data properly into Excel spreadsheets and manage databases.

F&W Biological Scientist II - FWC (St. Petersburg, FL)

To view more details and apply, click here.

Posting Closing Date: 02/06/2025 

Compensation: $1,584.61 Biweekly, $41,199 Annually

100 Eighth Ave SE

Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: experience with operating and trailering watercraft, experience with wildlife tracking using radio-telemetry.
 

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

Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to:  https://jobs.myflorida.com (enter 77073235 in the keyword search field). Applicants must also upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email and phone) for three references with their People First application by the closing date, but these do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form.  Applicants are required to complete the additional application questions (answers of ‘see resume’ are not sufficient).  If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. 

 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The person in this position will collaborate with FWRI scientists to conduct field research and collect data on manatee behavior, ecology, habitat, distribution, and threats. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with tagging manatees through capture and in-water replacement of tags, independently tracking tagged manatees with radio-telemetry and sonic equipment by boat and from shore, and recording behavioral observations and environmental data.  Additional field responsibilities may include conducting aerial surveys, photo-identification, genetic biopsy sampling, temperature monitoring, habitat assessments, and other field work as assigned.  Office and lab responsibilities include entering, editing, and verifying data; monitoring manatee movement behavior using satellite-linked telemetry; maintaining project databases, equipment inventories, and records; creating and updating written procedures; providing summary information and data to managers as needed; purchasing and constructing tagging and other project-related gear; and assisting with maintenance of field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel. The person in this position may take on supervision of an OPS staff. Travel may be state-wide.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems

  • Knowledge of principles and techniques of scientific research

  • Knowledge of methods of biological data collection

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat

  • Skilled in wildlife tracking using radio-telemetry

  • Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.), able to complete a small boat safety course within the probationary period

  • Skilled in the aerial survey of wildlife

  • Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including digital SLR cameras

  • Skilled in problem-solving, especially in field situations

  • Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment

  • Ability to perform detail-oriented work in an organized manner

  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships

  • Ability to swim with sufficient skill to perform in-water research

  • Ability to maintain a U.S. driver’s license

Biological Administrator I A - SES - FWC (Quincy, FL)

Click here to learn more and apply!

Posting Closing Date: 02/12/2025 

Supervisor: Colleen Closius 

List of any subordinates supervised: 3 Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IIIs

Physical Address and telephone number: 5300 High Bridge Rd, Quincy, FL 32351 850-819-9534

County: Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, and Liberty

Residency requirement: Within 25 miles of designated field office

Working hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Description of duties:

This leadership position serves as the District Wildlife Biologist for: Aucilla, Chipola River, Joe Budd, Ochlockonee River, Plank Road, Talquin, and Wakulla Wildlife Management Areas; and L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area. The position will be officed at a field office within the East District of the NW Region. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented team of dedicated staff and to positively impact wildlife conservation and habitat management throughout the District and Region.

Specific duties include project administration; providing leadership and mentoring to staff including direct supervision of 3 Lead Area Biologists; collection, manipulations, analysis, and presentation of biological data; providing oversight and participating in habitat management activities including prescribed fire; developing and promoting public use programs, including public hunt operation and non-hunting uses; setting management objectives consistent with agency directives; developing plans; developing and managing budgets; and writing reports and technical papers. The successful candidate will excel at communication and have a strong drive to succeed.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

This is not an entry level position. Strong interpersonal skills are required to lead, supervise, and mentor employees, and to develop and leverage partnerships with other agencies. Strong land management skills are required to evaluate habitat conditions and prescribe and direct appropriate treatments. Applicant must have applied knowledge of wildlife population and habitat management techniques in Florida, particularly the application of prescribed fire and mechanical and chemical vegetation control. GIS and other technological skills are also requisite for this level of land management. Strong administrative, organizational, and budget management skills are required to manage multiple projects and their associated budgets. Job requirements therefore consist of the KSAs described above or a solid foundation of habitat management in Florida, coupled with the motivation, initiative, and proclivity to develop and apply the KSAs listed above.  

Level of Education: Preferred Bachelor’s degree in a life or physical science. Four years of direct, relevant experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree.

License Requirements: Minimum Class E Florida driver’s license

Other Requirements: Must obtain and maintain Florida Prescribed Burn Manager certification. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Regional Inventory and Monitoring Wildlife Biologist - FWC (Lake City, FL)

To view more details and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 02/16/2025 

Salary:  $20.83 an hour 

Address and telephone number – 1920 NE 100th Street Road, Branford FL 32008

Supervisor & Position number – Rebecca Doane, 77072922

Phone: (386) 754-1668 [office]

 

Description of duties:

This engaging and versatile wildlife biologist position serves as the Regional Inventory and Monitoring Biologist within the Wildlife and Habitat Management (WHM) section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and is primarily responsible for utilizing field survey techniques to document and inventory the wildlife species that occur on the wildlife management areas (WMAs) in northern peninsular Florida. This position has both the opportunity to conduct proven field monitoring methods and the creative authority to apply innovative techniques to monitor all wildlife taxa groups (avian, mammal, reptile, amphibian) on the public land system in northern Florida.

This position is largely field based, with work sites located in many diverse, pristine, and remote natural areas across 17 counties in the FWC’s North Central Region. The office location for this position is flexible with options available in either Fort White or Lake City, FL (nearest major market: Gainesville).

A competitive applicant for this position will have a basic understanding of wildlife population monitoring and survey techniques, wildlife taxonomy, and skills in species identification. They will be responsible for collecting data to develop and enhance the species lists of common wildlife as well as rare, cryptic, fossorial, and nocturnal species. They will be charged with trapping and handling wildlife responsibly, performing early-morning surveys, and working both independently and safely in remote natural areas.

Following wildlife research and data collection protocols, the incumbent biologist will utilize GIS applications for data entry and database management. They will also be responsible for analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing accrued datasets to author technical reports and public-facing documents.

The incumbent will gain valuable experience and training in techniques to manage land and habitats for wildlife, such as prescribed fire application and herbicide treatments. This position will serve an important role as a burn crew member during prescribed fire operations.

Training, continuing education, and certificate courses are sponsored by FWC and available to the biologist in this position as needed.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to operate independently to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines.

  • Skills in effective communication to provide clear and timely updates to colleagues and management.

  • Enthusiasm and commitment to natural resource conservation.

  • Ability to work safely under adverse field conditions without direct supervision (extreme temperatures, high humidity, biting insects, and other hazards).

  • Work experience in surveying, monitoring, and data collection of wildlife vertebrate taxa, particularly reptile, amphibian, avian, and mammal species.

  • Development and execution of population surveys and monitoring projects, habitat management activities, and other conservation activities for Florida terrestrial fauna.

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of Florida’s native wildlife and fish species, ecology, and natural communities.

  • Ability to identify amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in a field environment.

  • Technical and scientific report writing experience.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook Calendar, PowerPoint.

  • Knowledge of ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online and its application to land management activities and wildlife/plant surveys.

 

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the hiring supervisor with any questions at: Rebecca Doane  at (386) 754-1668 [office]