Gopher Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 880900 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F & W BS IV - 77902317

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902317 

Salary:  $24.32 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/16/2026 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position number: 77902317

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

OPS Houry Rate of Pay: $24.32

Supervisor: Edward O'Daniels, for inquiries: (850) 767-3616, Edward.Odaniels@MyFWC.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-04

Position Location: USDA Service Center, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna, FL 32448

Region: Northwest

County: Jackson

Working hours: 40 hrs./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.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Office of Conservation Planning Services (OCPS) Landowners Assistance Program (LAP) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

A high school diploma and 7 years' professional experience in a closely related biological field 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. 

Description of Position:  

The OCPS is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to work within a team of wildlife biologists who provide 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, 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. This position will directly influence the management of both game and non-game species such as white-tailed deer, quail, turkey, waterfowl,  gopher tortoise, black bear, indigo snake, flatwoods salamanders, wading birds, and more. 

The OCPS Northwest 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, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, Payment for Ecosystem Services Programs, Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program, and Private Lands Tool Cache.  This position will have the opportunity to closely coordinate and act as a liaison to implement FARM Bill programs including but not limited to EQIP, CSP, ACEP, 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.  In addition, the position will assist in the review and comment on resource management plans for military facilities, proposed land use planning changes and county and other land management plans. 

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.

Where You Will Work: 

Marianna, Florida, is a welcoming community where small-town charm, natural beauty, and affordable living come together. Conveniently located near Tallahassee, Panama City, and Dothan, Marianna offers a peaceful lifestyle while keeping larger cities within easy reach. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the remarkable caves and trails at Florida Caverns State Park, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Jackson Blue Springs, paddle across Merritt's Mill Pond, or kayak along the scenic Chipola River.

Although your office will be based in Marianna, your work will take you throughout North Florida, where you will work with private landowners and experience the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of the Florida Panhandle. With its friendly atmosphere, historic character, community events, and abundant outdoor recreation, North Florida is a wonderful place to live, work, and call home.

How You Will Grow: 

FWC encourages employees to strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge, and find innovative ways to support Florida's fish, wildlife, and habitats. Through training, hands-on experience, and collaboration with private landowners and conservation partners, you will gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful conservation projects throughout North Florida

FWC will support and encourage your professional growth as you take on meaningful projects, develop relationships with private landowners, and gain valuable experience conserving the diverse landscapes and natural resources of North Florida. Employees are encouraged to collaborate with their supervisor to pursue opportunities for professional growth and career development. Throughout your career, FWC provides a diverse selection of training opportunities to help you build new skills and achieve your goals.

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.