ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SPEC(F&W BIO SCIENT II) - 37020132
Requisition No: 877321
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SPEC(F&W BIO SCIENT II) - 37020132
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37020132
Salary: $46,000.00-$48,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 06/10/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The Animal Husbandry Specialist II position will:
Perform general husbandry duties (feedings, exhibit cleaning/maintenance, observing behavior, log diet changes and medications, etc.)
Observe and identify any issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.
Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
Conduct routine cleaning and maintenance on all exhibit and holding systems. Acquire, acclimate, and quarantine new species as needed; conduct proper research into the optimal care of each species
Develop and implement animal-related husbandry and enrichment protocols. Maintain clean and safe exhibit support, holding, and exhibit work areas. Adhere to safety protocols and respond to emergencies involving critters/animals.
Safely handle reptiles. Ensure the safety of staff, guests, interns and volunteers.
Maintain a regular inventory of food, medical supplies, and miscellaneous supplies, and reorder as needed. Maintain records (budget, inventory, water quality, etc.)
Manage team of volunteers/interns and their respective duties. Interact with guests and volunteers during both formal and informal presentations. Assist with Research, Stewardship, and Facilities teams as needed, i.e. water quality, fisheries, etc. Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Significant knowledge and/or experience with SW Florida native wildlife and ecology.
Strong observational skills for assessing animal health, diets, behavior, and exhibit quality.
Proficiency in maintenance tasks, including plumbing and use of power tools, hand tools, and sealants/glue.
Independent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent organizational skills.
Ability to lift/move objects up to 25lbs, and occasionally up to 60lbs
Ability to deal with water and various chemicals related to aquaria and water quality.
Required to sit, stand, and walk, for extended periods of time.
May spend time in the field, experiencing exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions.
Visual abilities include close/color vision, peripheral and depth perception to perform duties.
Ability to handle typically moderate noise levels in the work environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license.
Position of Special Trust Requirement:
This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.
Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Pay:
$46,000-$48,000
Our Organization and Mission:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
Where You Will Work:
Rookery Bay NERR is located between the coastal towns of Naples and Marco Island in Collier County, Florida
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
- Tuition waivers;
- Total Compensation Estimator Tool
- And more!
For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com
For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Special Notes: DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
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.
NAPLES, FL, US, 34113
Nearest Major Market: Naples