FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77000109

Requisition No: 883994

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II - 77000109

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000109

Salary: 41,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 10/06/2026

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FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II

$41,000 Annually

Lake City Regional Office

3377 E. US Hwy 90

Lake City, FL 32055

Supervisor: Thomas Baker - Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Thomas.Baker@MyFWC.com

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II - CS 77000109

Lake City, Florida - $41,000 Annually

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:

• 5 years' professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
• A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences.
• A masters degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a life of physical sciences and two years of professional experience in a field or laboratory program; or
• A masters degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science.
• Background in fisheries science with experience in biological field sampling and the use of fisheries-related sampling equipment.

Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
• Must possess a valid boaters safety education identification card prior to operating any agency vessel. The selected candidate must already possess a boater safety card or be willing and able to get one within 30 days of hiring.
• A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in life or physical science or 4 years of applicable experience

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a qualified individual to play a crucial role at the interface between anglers and fisheries. Your work will be instrumental in managing, enhancing, and promoting freshwater fishing opportunities in North Central Florida's aquatic resources. This position, part of a regional team with FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, is in Lake City, Florida. The selected candidate will assist with the management of freshwater fisheries resources in FWC's North Central Region (17 counties) as needed. This position will coordinate with regional project staff and other agency staff to help design and implement biological studies on aquatic resources, implement agency established protocols to assess sportfish populations, conduct aquatic resource management and enhancement activities, interact with agency stakeholders, compile, analyze and interpret biological data used to write technical reports. The person selected for this position will be required to regularly interact with individuals from within and outside the agency, as well as the public.

• Assists with development and implementation of fisheries management goals related to North Central Region resources including stakeholder interaction, habitat enhancement, data analysis, stocking, fish feeding, fisheries sampling, coordinating with cooperators and other governmental agencies, and promotional and educational opportunities.
• Assists in developing partnerships in aquatic resource management projects with federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders.
• Your role will be crucial in Establishing and maintaining stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local government officials, tackle shop owners, fishing guides, outdoor media, fishing clubs, conservation groups, etc. This will ensure effective, two-way communication relative to FWC programs and projects, and your contribution will be instrumental in the success of our initiatives.
• Provides technical assistance to the public through telephone, written communication, presentations, and lectures.
• Operates/maintains project equipment including vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, and other field sampling equipment.

In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and interest in the position.

Position Details:

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST, Monday through Friday

This position requires periodic work time on weekends and evenings. Occasional overnight travel is required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida's freshwater fish, fish population dynamics and fish management techniques.
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to fisheries biology.
• Knowledge of freshwater fisheries sampling techniques and related gear.
• Ability to work with internal and external personnel, managers, government officials, riparian landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to operate independently to achieve project objectives.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and in remote locations.
• Skilled in the operation of boats, outboard motors, trailers, etc.
• Ability to travel overnight and work flexible hours to meet project objectives.

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year

4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly

Retirement Plan Options

State University and College Tuition Waiver Program

On the Job Trainings

Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.

Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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.