Wildlife Biologist - USDA (Key West)

OPEN DATE:                   8/20/2025

CLOSING DATE:            8/29/2025

POSITION TITLE:           Wildlife Biologist

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 #:   WSER-FL-FY25-SE05

SERIES/GRADE:            GS-0486-7/9

LOCATION:                     Naval Air Station Key West (Key West, FL) (Relocation expenses will not be paid)

SALARY:                          $53,208 - $84,607 per year

For a full position description and instructions on how to apply, click HERE

OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - FWC (Tallahassee or other)

Requisition No: 858222 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F & W BS IV - 77902285

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902285 

Salary:  $24.32 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/29/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Position Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist

Broadband Code 19-1023-04

Working Hours:  8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, a flexible work schedule may be authorized

List of Subordinates Supervised: None

City: Tallahassee preferred, other locations considered

Region: Leon County preferred, other locations considered

Location: Russell Park, other FWC’s offices may be considered

Residency Requirement: No

% Travel Required:  +/- 25%

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: Valid Driver’s License

Supervisor: Pamela Gruver

Supervisor Contact Information: (850) 879-2261 or Pamela.Gruver@MyFWC.com 

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

 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.

 Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 7 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 7 years of required experience.

 

Preferred qualifications: 

A  bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum, graduate degree and two years of professional experience preferred.  Candidates must have experience writing and reviewing technical documents, must have experience with imperiled species or their habitats, and should be familiar with land use or wildlife permits.  Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and be able to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills.  Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service. 

In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, please attach a resume and cover letter. This letter should at minimum explain your interest in the specific position and identify your most relevant skills and experiences. For questions regarding this position, please contact Pamela Gruver at Pamela.Gruver@MyFWC.com or by phone at (850) 879-2261.

Description of Duties:

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. The position is located within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, in the Office of Conservation Planning Services.  The position is a critical member of FWC’s gopher tortoise conservation program, working to conserve Florida’s only native tortoise and is responsible for gopher tortoise recipient site conservation through permitting. This is an office-based position with field work opportunities.

The main function of this position is to provide expertise and coordinate gopher tortoise recipient site permitting statewide. This position will review both public and private recipient site applications, will work closely with Compliance and Monitoring staff working on pre-application materials and site visits, and will have primary responsibility for the review and processing of recipient site permit applications in conjunction with their team. This position will review area management plans, work with Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) staff on easement and title review, work with Landowner Assistance Program staff on the review of vegetation and population monitoring surveys, and help draft MOU/MOA’s as needed. This position will be the primary point of contact for customers on recipient site issues once they submit their applications, and responsive customer service to applicants, landowners, and their representatives is a key responsibility. They may also attend pre-application and monitoring site visits at all types of recipient sites as needed.

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Permitting Biologist may be asked to facilitate team meetings, provide recommendations for improving gopher tortoise regulations and management, create and maintain training materials, train new staff, as well as review, evaluate, and process applications for other permit types as time allows. The selected candidate will conduct site visits to areas protected for gopher tortoise conservation, determine habitat suitability for areas that could be protected in the future, review reports, serve as a backup for other biological staff as needed, and lead priority projects. The selected candidate will serve a key role in shaping changes to Florida’s gopher tortoise conservation program, including development and implementation of a new online permitting system and expansion of areas protected for gopher tortoise conservation.

The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. They will assist and collaborate with regional and statewide staff and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation. This position is responsible for informing and responding to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, research, and rules and regulations. This position will stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in team meetings, seminars, outreach events, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWCThe position will require occasional overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule.

  • Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, management practices and techniques.

  • Knowledge of Florida's upland ecosystems and management of these ecosystems, with emphasis on the needs of the gopher tortoise and its management.

  • Strong data management skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, ArcPro, Adobe Acrobat, and GPS Units.

  • Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills that include the ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts, as well as the ability to listen and effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with landowners, land managers, foresters, and other staff.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers; ability to present technical information to various audiences.

  • Ability to interact with displeased or contentious members of the public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner.

  • Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, and soils maps.

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

  • Ability to travel and spend significant time outdoors in Florida climate conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred):

  • Knowledge of Florida landcover classification systems (e.g., FLUCCS, FLCS) and ability to interpret land cover, soils, and survey maps.

  • Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.

  • Knowledge of southeastern ecosystems flora and fauna.

  • Knowledge of and ability to identify invasive and exotic plants.   

  • Knowledge and understanding of conservation easements, permitting, and a willingness to expand personal knowledge of the topic.

  • Experience in communicating complex information to the public and responding to public inquiries.

  • Experience with permitting.

  • Ability to use ATVs, 4-wheel drive trucks and handle off-road conditions.

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.

Location:  

TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32302 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32303 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32304 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32305 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32307 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32308 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32309 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32310 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32312 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32316 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32317 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32399


Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee

Biological Administrator II - FWC (Panama City)

Requisition No: 858374 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL ADMINISTRATOR II-SES - 77000203

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 77000203 

Salary:  $2,500.00 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 08/29/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Anticipated Vacancy

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position Title: SES Biological Administrator II – Landowner Assistance Program NW Regional Coordinator

Supervisor: Anthony Grossman

Supervisor Contact Information: 850-274-7965 Anthony.Grossman@MyFWC.com

Broadband Code: 11-9121-02

Class Code: 5040

Position Location: Panama City

Region: Northwest

County: Bay

Working Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, 40+ hours/week

List of subordinates supervised: one FTE Biological Scientist IV, two FTE Biological Scientist III, two OPS Biological Scientist IV, and one OPS Biological Scientist III

Residency Requirements: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

% Travel Required:  0-25%

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: State of Florida Class E Driver License

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 with strong leadership ability, supervisory experience, and land management skills to work within the Landowner Assistance Program (LAP).  This position provides technical assistance to private landowners, stakeholders and partner agencies for land use planning and management activities. The work requires an understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management needs, as well as a practical knowledge of native habitat management and recovery techniques suited to Florida landscapes. The ideal candidate will have mastered these knowledge, skills and abilities and has experience supervising highly skilled staff in a fast-paced environment.

This position administers the Northwest Region Landowner Assistance Program within the Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS). OCPS provides scientific support and technical assistance to a wide array of private landowners and local, state, and federal agencies on fish, wildlife and habitat-related issues. LAP staff develops comprehensive habitat-based management plans in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Defense, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, works independently and with partners to deliver workshops and other outreach, and provides broad habitat related technical assistance as needed. LAP works with multiple partners to deliver voluntary, incentive-based programs including FARM Bill Conservation Programs and USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. The Biological Administrator will participate in the development and implementation of new programs to incentivize conservation on private lands, including voluntary alternatives to incidental take (e.g. Wildlife Best Management Practices), innovative economic tools (e.g. Payment for Ecosystem Services, Gopher Tortoise Recipient Sites), and creative approaches to education and outreach. This work involves close coordination with other fish and wildlife professionals and stakeholders, both internal and external to the agency, biological data collection and analysis, report writing, and monitoring and evaluating program-funded fish and wildlife habitat enhancement activities. Additional responsibilities include providing subject matter expertise during review and comment on regulated activities (e.g., Energy siting, Dept. of Defense Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans, environmental resource permit applications, etc.) that have potential to impact fish and wildlife resources, coordinating short- and long-term regional LAP planning and reporting; administration of regional LAP operational activities, budgets and coordination with other agency sections, divisions and offices and external stakeholders to implement FWC’s mission, workplan and strategic initiatives.

This position directly supervises six positions: three Biological Scientist IV and three Biological Scientist III. Responsible for timely and accurate processing and or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors. Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements of Section 215.422, F.S., related to State Comptroller’s rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. Responsibilities may include legislative interactions. Courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation, generally. Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

 Minimum Qualifications: 

A high school diploma and 7 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 7 years of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, or fisheries management; zoology; environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum; Graduate Degree and four years of professional experience preferred.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of upland and wetland habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control and exotic plant control; wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data, produce high quality technical reports and effectively communicate the information to peers and stakeholders; experience recommending hunting and grazing as wildlife management tools; proficiency with common Windows applications and ArcGIS; well-organized, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and complete tasks on schedule; incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation and self-direction necessary to work productively alone as well as function as a team leader; ability to work outside under inclement weather conditions; and public speaking and presentation skills. 

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.

Location:  

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, US, 32407 PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, US, 32408 PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, US, 32413 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32401 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32402 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32404 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32405


Nearest Major Market: Panama City

Grazing Specialist - Ducks Unlimited (Remote, C and S FL)

Grazing Specialist – Florida 

Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our conservation team in Florida. The Grazing Specialist position will work in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), focused on delivering voluntary conservation programs on private working lands. 

The Grazing Specialist will work closely with DU, NRCS staff, landowners, and other conservation partners to implement and promote grazing-based conservation practices that enhance habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, improve soil health, and support working agricultural operations. 

This position may be remote or based in an NRCS Field Office, if available. If remote, the candidate must be within proximity to central and south Florida, where most work will occur. Travel throughout the state may be required. This position will report to the DU Manager of Conservation Programs – Florida. 

This is a 3-year term position with potential for continuation in future years as performance and additional workload warrants. 

 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical assistance to landowners and producers for the development and implementation of grazing practices and conservation plans in alignment with NRCS conservation programs (ex. EQIP, CSP).

  • Work with landowners to implement conservation grazing practices that support wetland function, wildlife habitat, and sustainable livestock production.

  • Ensure conservation practices planned and installed meet applicable NRCS conservation practice standards, specifications, and program requirements. 

  • Assist with field assessments, vegetation monitoring, plan development, project oversight, and practice check out. 

  • Collaborate with DU staff, NRCS personnel, and conservation partners to coordinate outreach, education, and project delivery.

  • Assist with implementation of a pilot incentive program for landowners by conducting outreach to raise program awareness, evaluating eligible grazing practices, facilitating landowner agreements, and processing incentive payments.

  • Maintain complete and accurate records for reporting conservation projects and outcomes.

 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Agriculture, Agronomy, Range Science, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field. 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of grazing systems, native and introduced forage species, and pasture management in the southeastern United States.

  • Familiarity with NRCS and Farm Bill programs and experience with development of grazing and conservation plans is highly desirable. 

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in field and office settings.

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.

  • Candidate must be able and willing to travel throughout Florida, including overnight and out-of-state travel. 

 

Benefits:

DU offers a competitive benefits package including health and retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Compensation commensurate with education & experience.

Application: Please fill out the application materials and attach a resume, cover letter, and references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. Please direct any questions regarding application materials to DU Human Resources.

Application information is available HERE

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV / Private Lands Biologist - FWC (Lake Placid, FL)

To view more details and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 08/21/2025 

Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,923.08 + benefits

Supervisor: Luis Gonzalez

Supervisor contact information: (941) 661-1918 or Luis.Gonzalez@MyFWC.com

Position Location: Lake Wales Ridge WEA, Royce Unit Field Office, 1630 Royce Ranch Ave, Lake Placid, FL 33852

Working hours: 40hrs/week

Percent of Travel Required: 0-25% 

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 7 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 7 years of required experience.

Preferred qualifications:  Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Zoology, Environmental Sciences or other closely related curriculum and three years of professional experience in a natural resource program.  Degrees in Wildlife Management / Ecology or other natural resource fields are preferred.

 

Description of position:

The Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS) is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to work within a team of wildlife biologists providing assistance to private and public landowners.  This position offers the opportunity to influence management decisions on a landscape level by developing and fostering long-term partnerships with private landowners who own and manage over half of Florida’s natural resources.  

OCPS provides scientific support and technical assistance to a wide array of private and public sector landowners and local, state, and federal governmental entities on habitat-related issues. OCPS develops comprehensive habitat-based management plans, develops and implements incentive programs for private landowners such as payment for ecological services, provides recommendations for implementation of habitat management programs on private and publicly-owned land, and conducts habitat assessments on conservation easements such as gopher tortoise recipient sites. 

The OCPS Southwest Region Team’s primary function is development, administration and delivery of voluntary, incentive-based programs including, but not limited to, FARM Bill Conservation Programs, Forest Stewardship Program, Landowner Incentive Program, Common Species Common Program, and Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.  This position will have the opportunity to closely coordinate and act as a liaison to implement FARM Bill programs including but not limited to CSP, ACEP, EQIP, and RCPP.  

 

Duties and responsibilities:

Include but are not limited to building and fostering long-term partnerships with landowners, biological data collection and analysis; writing Conservation Stewardship Plans, reports and land management prescriptions; monitoring and evaluating program-funded fish and wildlife habitat enhancement activities, collecting wildlife observations in the field, and planning and conducting educational workshops/field days. 

 

Desired qualifications include: 

The ability to positively communicate with a wide variety of landowners who have different land-uses and objectives for their property, passion for motivating landowners to actively manage their habitats in ways that benefit wildlife, the ability and desire to be open-minded while working within a team of biologists to develop long-term partnerships with private landowners, the ability to work as a team as well as work alone when needed, Geographical Information System experience, excellent communicative skills both verbal and written, knowledge of Florida plant/animal communities, knowledge of habitat management techniques, the ability to travel overnight less than 25%, work alone in the field 50% of the time, and public speaking ability.

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

Click here to view more information and to apply.

Posting Closing Date: 08/09/2025 

FTE Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,730.77 + benefits

Working hours: M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM (Hours may vary based on workload and may be required to work weekends and non-traditional hours.)

Supervisor: Dan Roberts  - Phone: (850) 328-4601

Position location: 1156 Cattle Gap Rd. Midway, FL. 32343

Minimum qualifications, A high school diploma and 6 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 6 years of required experience.

Additional requirements: In addition to submitting a completed State of Florida electronic application and completing the qualifying questions, applicants must attach a cover letter and up to date resume to be considered. Submitted cover letter should at a minimum explain your interest in working with the Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Subsection and identify your most relevant skills and experience.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Preferred qualifications:

  •  Strong knowledge of freshwater ecology, habitat assessment, and management techniques

  • Familiarity with state and federal wetland permitting

  • Experience with project management, contract management, developing scopes of work, and oversight of contracted vendors

  • Proficient in GIS and GPS applications

  • Ability to operate boats, airboats, 4WD vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and tow trailers

  • Experience using drones for vegetation or wildlife management

  • Experience or certified in the application of prescribed fire

Licenses requirement: Florida Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledgeable in principles of aquatic ecology and fish/wildlife habitat management

  • Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic habitat management and restoration, including revegetation, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and organic sediment removal

  • Knowledge of GIS and GPS and its application to habitat management and surveys

  • Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications

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

  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

  • Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task

  • Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, with limited supervision

  • Ability to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions

  • Ability to effectively swim and be comfortable in the water

  • Ability to conduct in-water tasks comfortably

  • Ability to work outside of normal business hours.

 

Description of Duties: The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. The Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section is seeking an aquatic habitat restoration biologist to develop and manage projects on lakes, rivers, and wetlands to benefit fish and wildlife resources.  The position will work within the Northwest Florida AHRE multidisciplinary team, and independently.

This position is responsible for development of budget proposals, project specifications, contract management, and reporting. The position identifies aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities, secures internal or external project funding, hires and oversees contractors to complete habitat projects, and conducts assessment of project effectiveness.  In addition, the position will interact professionally with the public and partners providing technical expertise on aquatic habitat management. Overnight travel is required to complete fieldwork and attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings.

Required Duties Include but Are Not Limited to The Following:

  • Identify, develop, coordinate, and implement wetland and aquatic habitat restoration projects that maximize benefits to fish and wildlife resources

  • Work independently and with partners on ephemeral wetland restoration with focus on the eastern Florida panhandle. This work will include managing contractors on an array of restoration techniques including herbicide, heavy mechanical, and light mechanical.

  • Removal of nuisance vegetation and organic sediments, herbicide treatment of aquatic plants, planting of beneficial wetland vegetation species and utilization of other wetland restoration techniques.

  • Procure necessary state and federal permits required for project implementation.

  • Develop project bid documents and contracts.

  • Provide contract management of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.

  • Provide contractor oversight of approved aquatic habitat enhancement projects.

  • Work across FWC divisions and cooperate with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement FWC’s aquatic habitat restoration program.

  • Participate in and provide input to internal (FWC sponsored) and external (non-FWC sponsored) aquatic resource management groups.

  • Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of wetland and aquatic habitat monitoring and sampling.

  • Evaluate and predict environmental response to project activities in coordination with other FWC divisions, office, and section personnel.

  • Create and maintain databases of collected scientific data and maps of project areas using appropriate computer software.

  • Prepare, publish, and present project management plans and relevant project findings through internal (quarterly/annual/completion reports and management plans) and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meeting, etc.) outlets.

  • Perform other project-related duties and tasks as directed by supervisor.

  • Be proficient in the operation of 4X4 vehicles and maintenance of project vehicles.

  • Be proficient in the operation and maintenance of boats, trailers, and airboats.

  • Be proficient in the operation and maintenance of UTVs and ATVs.

  • Be proficient in the use and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.

  • Assist other AHRE, AHCR and Commission projects as necessary.

  • Work independently with limited supervision.

  • Responsible for timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors.

OPS F&W Bio Scientist IV - FWC (Lake City, FL)

To view more information and apply, click here!

Posting Closing Date: 08/08/2025 

Pay rate: $26.04 per hour, 1920 hours per year

Supervisor: Blair Hayman

Working hours: 8am – 5pm

Location: 3377 E US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32025

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

Minimum qualifications, A high school diploma and 7 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 7 years of required experience.

Please include a resume and cover letter along with a complete State of Florida application; applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered. 

The preference is for the position to report to the FWC Regional Office in Lake City, which is located near Jacksonville and Gainesville.  Other FWC Office locations may be considered. Full time or partial telework is not available.

For question regarding this position, please contact Blair Hayman at  Rebecca.Hayman@MYFWC.COM

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is seeking a fish and wildlife professional to fill the Critical Wildlife Area Coordinator position (OPS Biological Scientist IV). This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, organized, and dedicated individual to lead conservation of critical sites supporting imperiled species through overseeing Florida’s Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) program.

The individual in this position will have the opportunity to work with staff and partners to benefit wildlife at designated Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs), sites that support significant concentrations of wildlife. FWC currently has 32 designated CWAs, many closed to the public seasonally or year-round to protect important shorebird and wading bird sites, as well as bat caves and gopher tortoises.

This position serves as the statewide CWA Coordinator for the FWC and is primarily responsible for coordinating with staff, law enforcement, and partners to support management activities such as posting, stewardship, species monitoring, and habitat management on designated CWAs. The CWA Coordinator will work with staff and partners to evaluate potential new or modifications to CWAs and provide direction through the establishment and modification process.

Additionally, the person in this position is responsible for administrative tasks such as managing budgets, purchasing, managing contracts, and seeking funding to support needs outside of the existing budget. This position will have a key role coordinating and collaborating on conservation efforts that benefit a variety of imperiled species, including imperiled shorebird and wading birds in Florida.

This position serves as an active member of the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section (WDC) and will have the opportunity to contribute to species and habitat management, conservation policy development, and program improvements through working collaboratively with colleagues and partners.

 

Duties of the position may include:

  • Identify potential new or modifications to existing CWAs, and hold discussions with landowners, resource managers, and users to identify appropriateness and feasibility of designation.

  • Lead stakeholder engagement for CWA’s, including planning and conducting public meetings and addressing stakeholder concerns through coordinated responses.

  • Coordinate with FWC staff to ensure statewide consistency regarding CWA rule interpretation and implementation.

  • Meet with regional teams and partners to discuss CWA management needs, challenges, and strategic planning.

  • Coordinate with FWC staff to develop regular monitoring schedules, standardized protocols, disturbance monitoring strategies, site-specific posting (closure) plans and maintain in-water and on-land regulatory markers.

  • Coordinate with regional staff and partners to support habitat management activities including debris removal (storm recovery), shoreline erosion control, and vegetation management.

  • Track species monitoring data and apply this information to management recommendations.

  • Present on CWAs to staff and partners, prepare reports summarizing activities and monitoring results on CWAs. 

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position:

  • Work effectively in a team environment and independently.

  • Skilled in leadership, partnership development and maintenance, administration, and organization including time and information management.

  • Strong verbal and written communication.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.

  • Proficient in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications, and familiarity with shared working spaces such as SharePoint and Google Docs.

  • Proven ability to apply technical and scientific knowledge to develop and implement projects and troubleshoot issues; analyze, interpret, and explain complex technical issues regarding wildlife conservation activities; and interpret operational needs and develop integrated creative solutions.

  • Conduct moderately strenuous wildlife management and monitoring activities outdoors.

  • Safely operate a variety of vehicles and equipment including GPS units, hand tools, power tools, 4WD vehicles, ATVs, trailers, and boats up to 19 feet is preferred.

  • Ability to travel overnight on occasion to attend conferences, meetings, trainings, and conduct field activities.

  • Ability to complete administrative duties such as vehicle reporting, purchase tracking, and travel forms in a timely manner.