OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician - FWC (Moore Haven, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 02/28/2025 

Hire-in Pay: $18.23/hour (40 hours per week; 1,920 hours per year).

Working hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday (early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required)

County: Glades

Position address: Fisheating Creek WMA 1937 Banana Grove Rd. Moore Haven, FL 33471

Phone: (863) 946-1194

Supervisor: Carrie Kimbrough 

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: Must reside within a 25-mile radius of the Fisheating Creek WMA Field Office.

Level of education: High School Diploma or GED.

Description of duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate to assist with the management of Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Glades County, FL. This position serves as an OPS full-time, Fish & Wildlife Technician on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. The primary job responsibility will be clearing natural debris and trash from Fisheating Creek to maintain navigability. This job requires working in hot and humid conditions typical of the south Florida environment using chainsaws, handsaws, winches, and other appropriate tools. The applicant must be in good physical condition, able to lift at least 50 pounds, and able to work primarily independently in the field. 

Additional duties include operation and maintenance of area equipment including trucks, Jon boats, ATV/UTVs, swamp buggies, and various small equipment (e.g., water pumps, mowers, chainsaws, weed eaters) in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Applicant must possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment and follow manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic preventative maintenance. The successful candidate will assist with the operation of hunter check stations on the WMA to collect biological data of hunter harvested game and will assist with wildlife survey efforts.

Other duties include assisting with various land management activities and infrastructure maintenance and repair as needed. May assist with prescribed burning. The applicant will interact with partner agencies and the public to provide information concerning wildlife and area management, rules, and regulations. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed.

About the WMA: Fisheating Creek WMA encompasses over 18,000 acres of beautiful, untamed habitat including cypress swamps, scrub, dry prairie, floodplains, oak hammocks, and pasture. Fisheating Creek is the only undammed tributary into Lake Okeechobee, making it a natural wonder. It is home to black bears, gopher tortoises, alligators, Florida scrub jays, bobcats, Florida panthers, migratory birds, and many other fascinating wildlife species. It attracts members of the public for a variety of recreational opportunities, including hunting, airboating, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Able to operate, maintain, and repair equipment and associated implements.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices, such as chainsaw use in remote areas and herbicide use for vegetation control.

• Ability to navigate using GPS units in the field.

• Basic use of personal computers (including Microsoft Office).

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (e.g., heat, rain, biting insects, rough terrain).

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

Strong work ethic in support of goals and objectives in managing the area, including good communication skills with team members, staff, and diverse public users.

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel is required.

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

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Posting Closing Date: 02/23/2025 

Salary: $1,730.77 biweekly + benefits

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm

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

Supervisor:  McKayla Susen

List of Subordinates Supervised:  Interns (1-2)

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

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.  

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II - FWC (West Palm Beach, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 02/27/2025 

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, evening and weekends as required.

Salary: $1,538.46 biweekly + benefits

Position Address:  11835 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Phone: (561) 624-6989

Supervisor: Vacant 

List of any subordinates supervised:  May supervise seasonal staff.

Residency requirement: Must live within 25 miles of J.W. Corbett WMA. Employee housing option (RV pad and hookups) may be available.

Level of Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the physical or life sciences preferred. Four years of direct experience with the duties of this position may substitute for the Bachelor of Science degree in a physical or life science.

Other requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Description of duties: The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.

The FWC is seeking a highly motivated biologist to assist with the management of J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Palm Beach County, Florida. This position serves as a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II on a team to restore and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida’s residents and visitors.

Primary responsibilities are assisting with the implementation, planning, and development of habitat and wildlife management programs for the WMA. This includes the application of prescribed fire, conducting and providing oversight for invasive vegetation control, conducting monitoring of game, locally important, and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols, assisting in the development and promotion of public use programs including both hunting and non-hunting uses, and helping to set management and restoration objectives consistent with agency and division directives.

Additionally, this position will assist with conducting wildlife and vegetation surveys, collecting biological data from hunter-harvested animals, coordinating and implementing managed public hunts, preparing and submitting administrative and biological reports, supervising seasonal staff, maintaining equipment in a safe and useable condition, and furthering agency goals through interactions with cooperating agencies and stakeholders.

The position will regularly work independently in the field. This position will work as a team with other WMAs within the District or South Region to accomplish management actions such as prescribed burning and managing waterfowl hunts at the Stormwater Treatment Areas. The successful candidate must occasionally attend regional and divisional meetings, various trainings, and assist on other management areas as needed. Employee housing option (RV pad and hookups) may be available.

About the WMA: The J.W. Corbett WMA (60,498 acres) is home to a variety of wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpecker, American alligator, otter, sandhill crane, and white-tailed deer. Primary habitats include pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and cypress swamps. Prescribed burning and invasive plant control are two of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and invasive plant control. Wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to track spending and monitor budgets. Ability to create scientific reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Ability to interact with stakeholders, co-workers, and cooperating agencies in a professional manner. Knowledge of hunting as a wildlife management tool. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Ability to effectively supervise staff. Well-organized, able to communicate effectively, and able to supervise and delegate tasks effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively independently as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to work outside under inclement weather conditions and operate specialized equipment (e.g., swamp buggy, ATV, UTV, tractor).

Preferred Qualifications: At least 1 year of experience in habitat and/or wildlife management. Supervisory experience. Florida Prescribed Burn Manager certification. Strong familiarity with both native and invasive vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning.

Research Assistant – OPS Position - FWC (Saint Petersburg, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 02/18/2025 

$22.50 per hour

Minimum Qualifications:

4 years’ professional experience in a closely related biological field, laboratory program, physical or natural sciences, or mathematics required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major courses of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics can substitute for the required experience.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with a degree in chemistry and/or experience with algal biotoxins, ELISA, HPLC, bioassay, and/or LC- MS techniques.

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.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• Perform all phases of sample preparation for the detection of marine algal toxins in seafood, seawater, and other environmental matrices and analyses including sample extraction and clean-up, chemical buffer and reagent preparations for ELISA assays, HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses.

• Assist with sample preparation for regulatory bioassays.

• Develop, implement, and maintain QA/QC guidelines as part of SOPs.

• Assist with lab purchasing 

• Responsible for: coordinating data collection, organization, and analyses required for successful completion of approved research

• Reporting associated progress and milestones to supervisors, colleagues, and/or stakeholders.

• Participate in preparing manuscripts and grant reports.

• Facilitate effective and positive communication and teamwork across the team

• Assist with event response and routine monitoring for HAB toxins.

• Participate in other HAB Program and agency activities as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of robust laboratory practices and skill in standard laboratory and data collection and analysis techniques; harmful algal bloom toxins; experimental design; and basic statistical approaches.

Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment; standard laboratory techniques; the use of MS Office applications such as Excel and Access; planning, organizing, and executing work tasks independently and as part of a team. Experience with ELISA, HPLC, bioassay, and/or LC- MS techniques is preferred.

Ability to communicate effectively and work well as part of a team; work independently; follow standard operating protocols (SOPs) and adhere to standard laboratory safety practices; troubleshoot and maintain quality control standards in the laboratory; use appropriate scientific methods and techniques; perform basic data analysis; contribute to manuscripts and scientific reports.

Senior Fisheries and Wildlife Technician - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 02/20/2025 

 Salary: $21/hr

Level of Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred

Working hours: 40hrs/week. Overnight travel may be required no more than 25% of the time.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Address: 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Supervisor: Mariah McInnis, Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV 

Description of duties:  Fish and Wildlife Senior Technician will be responsible for management and control measures for two Federally listed noxious weeds found across the panhandle and in other areas of the state. The main focus of this position will involve the application of integrated pest management activities including surveying, mapping, and chemical control directed at Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and Azolla pinnata found in Escambia, Bay, Gadsden, and Leon Counties. This position will also assist with the planning, development and maintenance of other projects as needed such as surveying, mapping, and treating other EDRR (early detection rapid response) species that appear throughout the state. The employee will operate, maintain, and repair equipment and vehicles including trucks, boats, and spray 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. The employee will be required to interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning invasive plant species, infested area conditions, and will attend regional and divisional meetings and training programs. The employee will be required to obtain an FDACS Pesticide Applicator certificate and license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• This position primarily performs the duties in a field setting. The applicant should be comfortable working outside in various weather conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, working on slippery or uneven surfaces, working in or with moving objects/vehicles, traffic hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles and exposure to aggressive domestic and non-domestic animals, reptiles and insects.

• This position may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, driving, using hands to handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, climbing or balancing and reaching with hands and arms. In addition, this position may be required to occasionally lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds with or without assistance. This position is regularly required to use vision, speech and hearing, with or without assistive devices.

• This position utilizes the following tools and equipment often independently while performing the duties of the job: outboard vessels, canoe/kayaks, spray tanks and pumps, backpack sprayers, GPS, hand tools (pole saws, shovels, rakes, wheel barrels, etc.), gas powered tools (blowers, chain saws, edgers, generators, and pressure washers), and State vehicle.

• This position will cover the EDRR needs of the entire state and as such overnight travel will be required (no more than 25% of the time).

• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license

Desired qualifications include:

• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines

• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with herbicide applications

• Experience driving outboard boats and airboats

• Experience trailering boats and other equipment

• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Florida

OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC

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Posting Closing Date: 02/18/2025 

$19 per hour

Location: Home-based ideally in South Santa Rosa County, South Okaloosa County, or South Walton County

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 may also 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 a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 

The project work will be paid for through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations.  Continued employment is anticipated but contingent upon annual renewals of funding. 

The selected applicant will be required to work a flexible schedule that includes 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 on a daily basis is required, and the selected applicant will be expected to represent the Commission in a courteous and professional manner at all times. The selected applicant will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without direct supervision.

The position is home-based with frequent day-time travel throughout Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia Counties, as well as travel to other regions of Florida as needed.  

The selected applicant must maintain a valid driver’s license.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries 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 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 personal computers and database software; 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 section supervisor.

To learn more about the projects we are hiring for, visit the following websites:

Marine Recreational Fisheries Program (MRIP):  https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/   

State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS):  https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/srfs/

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: fish morphology and identification of marine fish to species; statistical survey sampling methods and data collection. Ability to: communicate to the public effectively with tact and diplomacy; to gather, maintain, and analyze data; maintain clear and accurate field data sheets; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective work relationships; operate a computer and software such as spreadsheets and word processing; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; communicate effectively verbally and in writing, maintain a valid driver’s license, work in high heat and other adverse weather conditions, work long hours early in the morning and late at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed. 

OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC (Panama City, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 02/18/2025 

$19 per Hour

Minimum Qualifications:

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

OR

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 Northwest Regional Office Annex in Panama City, FL or Eastpoint Field Lab. Frequent day-time travel throughout Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties, traveling to Walton, Okaloosa, and Taylor 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 the Panhandle and Big Bend of 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.