OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCI III - 77902135 1

Requisition No: 860132 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCI III - 77902135 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902135 

Salary:  $23.50 - $24.50 per hour, DOE (depending on experience) 

Posting Closing Date: 09/22/2025 

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Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

F&W Biological Scientist III – Shorebird Biologist – OPS Position

$23.50 - $24.50 per hour, Depending on Experience

3911 Hwy. 2321

Panama City, Florida

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist III – OPS 77902135

Panama City, FL - $23.50 - $24.50 per hour, Depending on Experience

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.

Minimum Qualifications:
6 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Experience with scientific data collection, data management, and reporting.

Knowledge of shorebird biology and applied experience with monitoring, implementing conservation actions, and adaptive management.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

The candidate will be the Lead Shorebird Biologist for the Central Panhandle. Preference will be given to those with experience conducting field missions, using of monitoring tools (e.g., game cameras, band resighting), vessel and UTV towing and operation, effective written and verbal communication, extensive data management experience, supervisory experience, experience creating data products and presentations, and demonstrated ability to create and maintain working relationships.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

FWC is seeking an energetic, motivated, collaborative individual with the skills to serve as the Lead Shorebird Biologist in the Central Florida Panhandle. The position engages in year-round monitoring of focal shorebird and seabird species and collaborates with partners to reduce threats to nesting birds. The position monitors breeding and nonbreeding shorebirds, manages data, creates data products, and drafts reports and presentations to inform shorebird conservation and management actions.

This position is primarily field based but will assist other Shorebird Program staff with their duties as well as expand FWC’s current capacity to address data gaps. They will collect data targeting specific information needs, lead field monitoring and other data gathering activities, work with a team to revise and develop monitoring protocols, direct and prioritize data collection and analyses, identify equipment and personnel needs, and hire and manage seasonal staff. This individual will assist in report writing and will present monitoring results to stakeholders and partners. The individual will also be responsible for logistics associated with all aspects of field operations, including regular maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and UTVs, equipment use logs, as well as coordination with partners and regular service volunteers. 

The Shorebird Biologist is part of an active network of partners including volunteers, local governments, land managers, and conservation professionals that work together to achieve monitoring and management goals for imperiled shorebirds in Florida. The Shorebird Biologist participates in meetings and serves as a key member of the panhandle shorebird program.

Position is funded by a multi-year grant (>5 years).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience monitoring shorebirds and seabirds

Experience towing and operating vessels and UTVs

Ability to communicate technical information effectively verbally and in writing

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research and analysis

Knowledge of the methods and tools for data collection, and data management

Experience drafting technical reports and creating data products

Experience facilitating meetings with partners and managers

Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, prioritize and complete work assignments

Ability to innovate solutions

Ability to supervise, train, and mentor direct reports

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. 

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.