OPS Biological Scientist II - 77902369

Requisition No: 880121 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist II - 77902369

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902369 

Salary:  $21.35 an hour 1920 hours a fiscal year 

Posting Closing Date: 08/16/2026 

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Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check.

Position Number: 77902369

Position Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II

Hourly Rate: $21.35 an hours 1920 hours a fiscal year 

Supervisor: Zachary Winstead for inquiries: Zachary.Winstead@myfwc.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-02

Position Location: 1920 NE 100th St. Rd., Branford, FL 32008

Region: North Central

County: Gilchrist

Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm, with weekend and after-hours work occasionally required

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Agency information:

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 Wildlife and Habitat Management Section (WHM) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.  

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma and 5 years of 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 5 years of required experience.

Additional requirements:

• Will be required to obtain and maintain a Florida Class A Driver’s License and Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Certification.
• Overnight travel associated with training and meeting events will be required.

Preferred qualifications: Prefer Bachelor of Science degree with a major in a physical or life science or a Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences. Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Experience with prescribed burning is preferred.

• Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife surveys, including game and nongame species, collecting and analyzing data, and summarizing results.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques, fire ecology, and plant succession.
• Applied knowledge of chemical or mechanical control of invasive vegetation.
• Ability to operate and maintain 4WD vehicles, farm tractors and implements, and ATVs.
• Ability to work independently and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to work efficiently in a team of diverse people with differing backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and prioritize multiple work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

• Familiarity with common outdoor recreation activities.
• Ability to write, edit, and produce scientific reports and summaries.
• Ability to use hand tools, including chainsaws, power tools, auger, etc.
• Knowledge of GIS software (ArcMap, ArcPro) and handheld GPS units and their applications.
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, etc.).

Description of Duties:

• Assist lead area biologist in developing and implementing management programs for Branan Field, Bell Ridge Longleaf, Fort White, Lafayette Forest, and Suwannee Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Areas.

• Assist with planning and implementing effective habitat management practices, such as prescribed burning, upland and wetland restoration, mechanical and chemical vegetation treatments, oversight of timber operations, water level manipulations, and other projects.
• Assist with planning, developing, and coordinating projects to facilitate public use, such as road construction and maintenance, culvert installation and repair, and construction and maintenance of boundary and interior fences and gates.
• Assist with developing bid specifications, overseeing contracts, and monitoring vendor compliance.
• Assist with the completion of annual work plans, budget proposals, accomplishment reports and other administrative tasks.
•  Assist with public hunting and other recreational activities.
•  Conduct population surveys using scientifically accepted techniques, including data analysis and report writing.
•  Accurately and routinely submit reports of activity and accomplishments using online databases and ArcGIS.
•  Survey habitat types and monitor changes that take place in vegetative communities.
•  Provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations and other agencies regarding wildlife biology and wildlife habitat management.
•  Propose regulations based on sound biological and sociological principles.
•  Participate in seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management.
• Complete other duties or assist on other areas as assigned.

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.