Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist II

Requisition No: 885793

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Scientist II - 77000125

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000125

Salary: $41,000 Annually

Posting Closing Date: 11/02/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist II

$41,000 Annually

5300 High Bridge Road

Quincy, FL

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 bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in fisheries science or a closely related field.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Work hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Some field work may be required at night, weekends, or during inclement weather.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position serves as a biologist on the Joe Budd Fisheries Research Project within the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Assists in planning, implementing, and completing complex multi-disciplinary research studies designed to assess and monitor freshwater fish resources in northwest Florida. Assists in collecting and processing field samples associated with these studies. Supervise assigned staff. Duties include recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employees, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures. Enters, analyzes and interprets fisheries data. Maintains equipment including boats, trailers and sampling gear (including electrofishing and gill-netting). Collaborates with other Commission biologists to coordinate field sampling activities. Prepares manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation at professional or public meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledgeable in terminology, techniques (including fish identification) and quantitative analyses commonly used in freshwater fisheries field and laboratory research.

Proficient in use of personal computers and associated software (MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Power Point, SAS, SYSTAT and ArcView).

Skilled at oral and written communication.

Able to effectively prioritize work to meet project deadlines.

Able to safely operate, trailer and maintain boats up to 22’ in length.

Able to effectively supervise others; the knowledge of supervisory practices, policies and procedures.

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.

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.