Research Scientist - FWC (St. Petersburg, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 09/02/2025 

Pay: $61,323 Annually

Minimum Qualifications:
9 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 major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and five years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and four years of professional experience as described above; or A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

Demonstrated experience in fisheries-dependent data collection, management, and analysis

Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and relational database systems (e.g., SQL).

Proven record of writing, reviewing, and submitting grant proposals, technical reports, and/or peer-reviewed publications.

Familiarity with state and federal fisheries management agencies, regulations, and policies.

Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills for both professional and public audiences.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the coordination of programs and activities of the Fisheries Dependent Monitoring (FDM) subsection. The duties include but not limited to:

Provide data and analyses to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other agencies

Coordinate with other state, federal, and corporate partners to facilitate data and procedural sharing and project coordination

Promotes and assists in the development of grant applications appropriate for implementation of the FWRI strategic plan

Write, review, and submit grant proposals and reports following agency deadlines

Conducts scientific publications using data collected from FDM projects

Respond to and perform data requests in a timely manner

Assist in the creation and management of project documentation and programmatic structuring
Assist with the creation and management of codes and scientific databases

Data QA/QC

Participate in public outreach efforts as appropriate

Perform other duties as assigned.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles, and application of techniques used in scientific research analysis and testing, numerical modeling and statistical methods.

Knowledge of Fisheries Dependent Monitoring data collection, management, and analysis

Skilled in data analysis, experimental design, testing hypotheses and computer programming.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to plan, manage and coordinate a program of scientific research.

Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Pro
Possess good customer service, telephone and clerical skills

Ability to work independently and within a team

Ability to write technical reports and manuscripts
Ability and desire to work in an extremely fast-paced, team environment
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines 
Ability to work in a confidential environment. High attention to detail

Possess strong organizational skills

Assistant Research Scientist (OPS Position) - FWC (Gainesville, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 09/19/2025 

Compensation: $27/Hour

Minimum Qualifications:

7 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 major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and three years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience as described above; or A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course 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 degrees and professional experience directly relevant to the ecology, conservation, or management of wild amphibians and/or reptiles.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent serves as an Assistant Research Scientist in the Reptile, Amphibian and Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Subsection within the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Initiates research and monitoring of amphibians and reptiles associated with central Florida lakes to provide information needed to better conserve the species; field work will be accompanied by mesocosm experiments to help identify mechanisms impacting amphibian and reptiles with the potential to incorporate invertebrates as well. Develops and implements all aspects of research or monitoring projects, including study design, data collection and analysis, and writing reports and peer-reviewed publications. Uses appropriate and current techniques to conduct research on assemblage composition and dynamics, population demography, habitat use, and other issues that influence the conservation of relevant species. Works independently, with colleagues, and cooperatively with partners from agencies, institutions, universities, and the public; Prepares final reports for projects, publishes results in scientific journals, and prepares information for popular audiences.

Supervises assigned field research staff and volunteers and interns. Duties include: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures.

Performs routine administrative duties such as preparation of itineraries, travel vouchers, purchase order requisitions, vehicle operation reports, and other administrative reports. Participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Assist with related subsection initiatives and obligations.

Participates in agency committees, initiatives, and teams, and in meetings with other partners from other agencies.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:  1 – standard methods of data collection and management and the principles and techniques of biological research, including data analysis and publication of results; 2 – biology, conservation, and management of Florida’s amphibians and reptiles; and 3 – ecological analysis techniques.  Ability to: 1 – capture and handle wild amphibians and reptiles, 2 – design and conduct scientific studies, 3 – effectively use common word processing and database software and ArcGIS, 4 – analyze ecological data, especially with use of current analytical software programs; 5 – properly collect biological data and organize data efficiently in electronic databases; 6 – write reports and publish results in technical journals;  7 – work effectively alone or with colleagues and partners; 8 -  work on an irregular schedule for extended hours, travel overnight as needed,  and work in a variety of field conditions; 9 - manage multiple projects simultaneously;  and 10 – Safely drive 4WD vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, small boats. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.

OPS Biological Scientist II - FWC (Gainesville, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/17/2025 

Pay rate: $23 per hour

Location: 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 can subsitute for the required experience; 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 degrees and professional experience directly relevant to the ecology, conservation, or management of wild amphibians and/or reptiles.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent serves as Biological Scientist II in the Reptile, Amphibian and Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Subsection within the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Assists with research and monitoring of amphibians and reptiles associated with central Florida lakes to provide information needed to better conserve the species; field work will be accompanied by mesocosm experiments to help identify mechanisms impacting amphibian and reptiles with the potential to incorporate invertebrates as well. Incumbent will be primarily responsible for data collection but will also have the opportunity to develop research projects, conduct analyses, and write reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Performs routine administrative duties such as preparation of itineraries, travel vouchers, purchase order requisitions, vehicle operation reports, and other administrative reports. Participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Assist with related subsection initiatives and obligations.

Participates in agency committees, initiatives, and teams, and in meetings with other partners from other agencies.

Performs related work as required.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:  1 – standard methods of data collection and management and the principles and techniques of biological research, including data analysis and publication of results; 2 – biology, conservation, and management of Florida’s amphibians and reptiles; and 3 – ecological analysis techniques.  Ability to: 1 – capture and handle wild amphibians and reptiles, 2 – design and conduct scientific studies, 3 – effectively use common word processing and database software and ArcGIS, 4 – analyze ecological data, especially with use of current analytical software programs; 5 – properly collect biological data and organize data efficiently in electronic databases; 6 – write reports and publish results in technical journals;  7 – work effectively alone or with colleagues and partners; 8 -  work on an irregular schedule for extended hours, travel overnight as needed,  and work in a variety of field conditions; 9 - manage multiple projects simultaneously;  and 10 – Safely drive 4WD vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, small boats. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.

Land Management Specialist - SJRWMD (Mount Dora, FL)

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Closing Date: Open until filled

Starting Salary Range: $45,864.00 - $57,324.80 

Location: Apopka Field Station, 25633 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757 

Job Summary: This is professional work assisting in the development, implementation, and management of SJRWMD's land management programs. 

Job duties include: 

• Monitors natural communities for management needs and effects of management activities; assists in the development and implementation of the Area Management Plans by providing firsthand knowledge of properties and ground investigations; ensures proper implementation of restoration projects, forestry operations, and other activities through supervision of contractors, volunteers, and direct participation; create scopes of work and manages various Land Management related contracts. Assists in the support and development of Land Management Database. Assists with herbicide application as needed.

• Participates in controlled burning activities for natural resource enhancement, restoration, and fuel reduction. Develops plans, prescriptions, and resource needs related to fire control. Participates in fire suppression activities. Supervise and participate in establishment and maintenance of fire lines. Coordinates fire activities with coworkers, neighbors, and other agencies.  Monitors short and long-term effects of fire management and helps support fire management database.

• Coordinates with other agencies and local governments on development and implementation of land management agreements; encourages public support for the land management program by supervising the installation of public access points and facilities and managing their use; responding to public inquiries; supervising public use; conducting tours; making presentations; and attending meetings.

• Protects District lands and facilities by assisting in the development of security plans, observing and reporting activities such as vandalism, poaching and wildfires, and maintaining good relations with local law enforcement personnel.

• Assist with monitoring, mapping, banding, and general management of listed bird species, as needed.  Provide knowledge and assist in the management of other listed flora and fauna.

• Assists the coordination of the land management program with other departments, agencies, and lessees by assisting in the formulation of agreements and licenses, managing leases, ensuring compliance with agreements and licenses, and maintaining contracts with cooperators and lessees.

Ability to:  

Communicate with supervisors, co-workers, members of the public, volunteers and other agency personnel. Read and interpret maps. Handle various tasks and projects with minimal supervision. 

Preferred candidate with basic fire management and terrestrial herbicide application experience. 

Skilled In:  

Natural communities, flora, and fauna identification; basic forest management activities: marking, cruising, reforestation small equipment operation; basic computer programs, GPS, GIS. 

Physical Requirements/Working Environment: 

Endure harsh outdoor environments in uncomfortable/extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough terrain, venomous animals, rain, and other potential hazards. Participate in prescribed fire and wildfire management activities; drive trucks, ATVs, tractors, (other equipment), trailering of equipment, operate or learn to operate airboats, participates with invasive plant management activities as needed 

Occasional overnight travel required. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in forestry, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management, natural science, or related field; or an associate degree from an accredited college in biology, environmental science, forest technology or related natural resource field and two years of progressively responsible natural resource management experience. Progressively responsible experience in natural resource management can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.  

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - FWC (Clewiston, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 09/12/2025 

FTE Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,923.08 bi-weekly + benefits

Supervisor: Dan Mitchell

Supervisor contact information for inquiries: Marsha Ward, (954) 325-3702

Working Hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday, evenings and weekend as required

List of Any Subordinates Supervised: 1 FTE Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III, 1 OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III, seasonal and temporary employees as needed

Position location: Dinner Island Ranch WMA,  20105 County Road 833, Clewiston, FL 33440

Residency requirement: Incumbent is required to reside in on-site provided housing (3-bedroom, 2-bath house).

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.

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. Successful incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager certification throughout employment in this position.

Preferred qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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, prescribe appropriate treatments and execute those treatments. Applicant must have applied knowledge of wildlife population and habitat management techniques in Florida, particularly the application of prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, grazing, water, and timber management; and have familiarization with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Familiarity with 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 budget. Job requirements therefore consist of the KSAs described above or a solid foundation of wildlife habitat management in Florida, coupled with the motivation, initiative and proclivity to quickly develop and apply the KSAs listed above.

Description of Duties: The FWC’s South Region is seeking a highly motivated biologist to lead the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) staff in accomplishing a variety of habitat management goals for the benefit of wildlife and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. This position will oversee a team and lead efforts to accomplish projects across the original Dinner Island Ranch property (21,714 acres) and the newly acquired Caracara Unit (17,251 acres). Primary responsibilities include identifying, planning, and implementing effective projects consistent with the WMA specific 10-year management plan; leading and participating in habitat management and restoration activities, including prescribed fire, invasive plant control, and prescribed grazing; developing and implementing annual budgets and work plans; ensuring equipment and infrastructure are properly maintained; preparing for and conducting wildlife monitoring; developing and managing public use programs, including public hunt operations on the WMA, as well as the Stormwater Treatment Area(s) as needed, and non-hunting recreational opportunities; maintaining land management and wildlife monitoring databases using ArcGIS; writing annual and technical reports; and mentoring and providing support to subordinates.

This position will also 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 will excel at communication and have a strong drive to succeed. The position will regularly work independently in the field. The incumbent will attend regional and divisional meetings, as well as various trainings, as necessary.

About the WMA: Dinner Island Ranch WMA is in the heart of old South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. This WMA is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Florida panther, Florida black bear, crested caracara, and American alligator. The habitat is composed of freshwater marshes, mesic hammocks, cypress dome swamps, pine flatwoods, wet prairie, and pasture. Hydrological improvements are underway to improve sheet flow and help restore degraded native habitats. Prescribed burning, invasive nonnative plant control, and cattle grazing are three of the primary tools used to manage and improve the property for wildlife.

Fisheries and Wildlife Bio Scientist IV - FWC (Fort Myers)

Requisition No: 858517 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST IV - 77000208

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000208 

Salary:  $1,945.56 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 09/04/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position Title:  Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV – Private Lands Biologist

Supervisor: Luis Gonzalez

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

Broadband Code: 19-1023-04

Class Code: 5075

Position Location: Fort Myers, FL

Region: Southwest

County: Lee/Charlotte

Working hours: 40hrs/week

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Agency information: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

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

Agency information: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Percent of Travel Required: 0-25% 

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:  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.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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

Location:  

FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33902 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33919 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33908 NORTH FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33903 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33966 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33907 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33912 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33916 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33994 FORT MYERS, FL, US, 33913

Nearest Major Market: Fort Myers
Nearest Secondary Market: Cape Coral

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