OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77902328

Requisition No: 877880 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77902328

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902328 

Salary:  $21.63 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/05/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position Number: 77902328

Position Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Hourly Rate of Pay: $21.63 an hour

Supervisor: Samantha Johnston for inquiries: Samantha.johnston@myfwc.com

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Position location: 3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL 32409

Region: Northwest

County: Bay

Working hours: 8am – 5pm

List of any subordinates supervised: None

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 position:

We have an exciting opening for the Northwest Region Volunteer Program Biologist in the Public Access Services Office within FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. The Public Access Services Office is a leader in innovative best practices to provide safe, sustainable, quality wildlife experiences and conservation opportunities to the public. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Conservation Stewardship team! 

The Northwest Region Volunteer Program Biologist coordinates volunteers for conservation projects, collaborating with biologists, land managers, and interested groups. This position combines scientific expertise with community engagement to facilitate conservation projects across the Florida panhandle. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to support wildlife conservation and make a meaningful difference regionally, statewide and across all agency divisions.

This is a full-time OPS position with a pay rate of $21.63 per hour, with health benefits. It is located in Panama City, FL at the FWC Northwest Regional Office

Description of duties:

Supporting a variety of species and habitats in the Northwest region of Florida, the Volunteer Program Biologist plays a key role in designing, implementing, monitoring and supporting conservation efforts that engage volunteers. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and managing volunteers and volunteer projects, as well as providing expert support in best practices for volunteer integration to FWC’s land managers and biologists. Activities could include but are not limited to wildlife surveys and monitoring, species tagging, habitat restoration, land management, and attendance at events and festivals. Additionally, the position involves building interagency and external partnerships through events like field workdays, workshops, presentations, etc. to promote and carry out volunteer-driven conservation projects on both public and private lands.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Data Collection, Analysis, and Synthesis:
• Designs and/or implements survey protocols for threatened and endangered wildlife.
• Monitors and evaluates long-term conservation projects that use volunteers and interns.
• Encourages the use of and implements tools for data feedback from projects to partners and the public.
• Coordination:
• Designs, leads, and manages multiple concurrent conservation projects that involve volunteers.
• Ensures volunteers are appropriately trained to meet rigorous scientific protocol standards.
• Encourages the use of and implements tools for data feedback from projects to partners and the public.
• Plans and implements volunteer communications and recognition events.
• Program Development and Administration:
• Works closely with the FWC Volunteer Program Manager as well as the other regional Volunteer Program Biologists to develop and promote the FWC Volunteer Program.
• Counsels FWC staff on volunteer, intern, and participatory science best management practices.
• Prepares quarterly and annual reports and other reports, as well as content for social media and newsletter communications.
• Presents at regional and statewide meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
• Trains staff on and assists with volunteer data management and tracking.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly self-motivated individual passionate about conservation. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, leadership, project design, and communication skills, while demonstrating a deep commitment to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission of protecting the state’s diverse fish, wildlife, and habitat resources. A broad working knowledge of local ecology and familiarity with a variety of Florida’s non-game species across multiple taxa is preferred. This position offers valuable benefits, extensive field training, soft skills development, and a dynamic schedule that allows for diverse and engaging work experiences.

Minimum qualifications, A high school diploma and 6 years 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 6 years of required experience.

Additional requirements: Applicants must include both a resume and cover letter to be considered.  Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be willing to travel overnight and during the day for projects, meetings, and workshops. Travel for day trips as well as overnight travel within a 200-mile radius and beyond the boundaries of the FWC’s Northwest Region, as well as travel throughout the state and out of the state for conferences. Approximately 25%-50% of this position’s time includes travel, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings, as necessary.

Preferred qualifications: Cooperation, communication, and teamwork are necessary skills for this position. Candidates must be highly proficient in written and verbal communication. The successful applicant will demonstrate self-direction and self-motivation, sound decision making, and the ability to create and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partners. Preferred 1-3 years volunteer management experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated experience in a volunteer management role.
• Broad-based working knowledge of a variety of non-game Florida species across multiple taxa.
• Knowledge of the ecosystems of Florida (or Southeastern United States), wildlife management practices, and conservation threats.
• Ability to analyze biological data and to report it in a scientific manner.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to set and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven capacity to self‑direct work, proactively identify needs, and independently carry tasks from start to finish.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective oral and written communication skills including public speaking, preparing multi-media presentations, and handling sensitive or difficult conversations.
• Ability to effectively use computer programs to conduct work duties (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access).
• Knowledge of database management and/or GIS software programs.
• Knowledge of social media applications.

• Ability to work outdoors conducting land management activities in remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances.

• Ability to operate power tools safely, including chainsaws, and to train and supervise volunteers performing fieldwork to adhere to safety guidelines and precautions.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

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.