OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77902216

Requisition No: 872593 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77902216

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902216 

Salary:  $21.35 an hour 1920 hours a fiscal year 

Posting Closing Date: 04/12/2026 

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Position number: 77902216

Position title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II

    Hire-in Pay: $21.35/hour (40 hours per week, 1920 hours per year)

Supervisor: Tanner Mazanec  contact information: (239) 206-0933

Broadband code: 19-1023-02

Position location: 100 CR 832, Felda, FL 33930

Region: South

County: Hendry

Working hours: 8-5 M-F, evening and weekends as required. 

List of any subordinates supervised: May supervise seasonal employees.

Residency requirement: None

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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This position is in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section.

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.

Other Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong familiarity with both native and non-native vegetation in South Florida. Experience with habitat restoration work, wildlife surveys, and prescribed burning. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems and natural processes, wildlife ecology, ecosystem management, water management, fire ecology and plant succession. Ability to navigate using GPS units and aerial maps. Knowledge of threats and issues facing Florida wildlife and habitats and the ability to create creative solutions. Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of habitat management and restoration, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, and exotic plant control. Wildlife habitat survey and inventory knowledge; ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to track spending and monitor budgets. Ability to create scientific reports free of grammatical and typographical errors. Ability to interact with stakeholders, co-workers, and cooperating agencies in a professional manner. Knowledge of hunting as a wildlife management tool. Familiarity with infrastructure development and maintenance. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities and the facilities needed to support them. Proficiency with typical Windows applications and ArcGIS. Well-organized and able to communicate effectively. Ability to oversee multiple projects and set priorities. Incumbent must possess the initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to work productively unsupervised alone as well as function as a member of a team. Ability to operate outside under inclement weather conditions and specialized off-road vehicles.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume, and cover letter.

Description of Duties:

Ever wanted the Florida wilderness to be your office?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking for a high-energy, field-ready Biologist to help lead the charge at the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area. This isn't a desk job—it’s a chance to get your boots muddy and make a real-world impact on the heart of Hendry County.

What You’ll Do
As part of our South Region team, you’ll be the boots on the ground restoring vital habitats. Your days will be a mix of:

• The Heat of the Action: Planning and applying prescribed fire to keep the ecosystem healthy.
• Wildlife Stewardship: Monitoring everything from game species to Florida’s most imperiled wildlife using the latest scientific protocols.
• Habitat Defense: Taking the lead on invasive vegetation control to protect our native landscapes.
• Public Impact: Assisting in the design and implementation of public use programs that connect Florida’s residents and visitors to the great outdoors through hunting and other recreational opportunities.

Why It’s Rewarding
You’ll have the autonomy to work independently in the field while staying connected to a passionate, regional team. From managing waterfowl hunts at Stormwater Treatment Areas to collecting critical biological data, you are the frontline of conservation. It’s a chance to build a deep, technical skillset while protecting Spirit-of-the-Wild for every resident and visitor.

Who You Are
You’re a highly motivated biologist who thrives in the field, loves a challenge, and wants to see the tangible results of your hard work every single day.

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.