Freshwater Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 880924 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000931

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000931 

Salary:  $45,000 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

$1730.76 Biweekly, $45,000 Annually

3377 E. US Hwy 90

Lake City, FL 32055

 Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - CS 77000931

Lake City, Florida - $45,000 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:

• 6 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 two years 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 and one year of professional experience as described above; or

• A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's 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 master's degree from an accredited college or university in a life or physical science.

• Background in fisheries science with experience in biological field sampling and the use of fisheries-related sampling equipment.

• Be willing and able to travel out of the office location area, stay overnight, work weekends and put in extended hours when necessary.

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 bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a life or physical science.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the regional lead for fish community and angler utilization sampling

• Assesses freshwater fisheries resources utilizing established sampling methodologies and gear.

• Establish and maintain stakeholder contacts with anglers, fish camps, local governmental officials, tackle shop owners, fishing guides, outdoor media, fishing clubs, NGOs, etc. to ensure effective, two-way communication relative to FWC programs and projects.

• Facilitate the development of interagency partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and cooperative agreements with local governments in order to protect, manage, and enhance fisheries resources.

• Work with Division of Habitat and Species Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement and Invasive Plant Management personnel to maintain expertise in those areas and ensure that DFFM's interests are considered when planning projects and other work.

• Coordinate with Regional Freshwater Fisheries Administrator and HSC staff to develop aquatic restoration, enhancement, aquatic plant management, and other projects that emphasize improving or maintaining sport fish populations, angler access or the creation of new fishing opportunities.

• Serve as DFFM representative on intra- and inter-agency groups.

• Data compilation, management, and analysis.

• Drafting/editing of quarterly and annual reports

.

• Operates/maintains boats, motors, trailers, and other sampling equipment.

• 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, fisheries, fish population dynamics, and fish management techniques.

Knowledge of freshwater aquatic plants and related management techniques.

Knowledge of aquatic habitat restoration techniques.

Knowledge of data analysis techniques relevant to fisheries biology.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications

Skill in the operation of boats, outboard motors, trailers, etc.

Skill in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, data analysis, fish population analysis programs, etc.

Skill in the use of scientific and field equipment

Skill in personnel development

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments

Ability to develop new or revised habitat restoration or enhancement techniques based on system conditions.

Ability to work with internal and external personnel, managers, government officials, riparian landowners, and other stakeholders.

Ability to work independently

Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to fish and wildlife management

Ability to travel overnight and work flexible hours to meet project objectives

Ability to design and conduct biological studies/surveys.

Ability to identify freshwater fish to species level.

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.