FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000729

Requisition No: 883372 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77000729

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77000729 

Salary:  $45,000 

Posting Closing Date: 09/17/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III – Career Service Position with Benefits

$45,000 annually + Benefits

Florida Bass Conservation Center at Richloam Hatchery

3583 CR 788

Webster, FL 33597

Supervisor Derek Piotrowicz

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III (Fish Health Specialist) - CS 77000729

Webster, Florida - $45,000 Annually

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master of Science degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science, preferably in the fisheries or aquaculture sciences.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. 

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Flexible scheduling can be available. This position is not eligible for Telework.

This position requires occasional overnight travel and work time outside of regular scheduled hours depending on hatchery needs.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management seeks self-motivated applicants who think innovatively and are passionate about aquaculture and aquatic biology for the benefit of conservation. As a Biological Scientist III (Fish Health Biologist) at the Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC), the successful candidate will work closely with a dedicated team to support fish culture practices to meet division and agency goals. This position will lead fish health activity and assist with planning and implementation of intensive and extensive fish culture activities including culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct sampling and diagnostic evaluations of stocks for disease/parasite detection and control and crop evaluations to achieve production goals.
• Perform routine/scheduled necropsies and conduct health assessment and maintenance on hatchery-reared fish eggs, larvae, juveniles, sub-adults and adult brood stocks produced and maintained at Florida Bass Conservation Center (Richloam Fish Hatchery). Perform diagnostic investigations for parasites and bacteriological culture to identify other pathological conditions affecting cultured fish. Perform and/or supervise administration of all fish health medications, water treatments, and FDA approved prophylactic treatments. Perform fish health screening as specified by protocols specified in internal fish health policy on all cultured fish.
• Develop research protocols and conduct experiments to assess fish disease pathways in production system as a means to improve culture efficiency and survival. Work with federal and state agencies to evaluate efficacy of new/emerging therapeutic drug treatments, anaesthetics and non-chemical treatments.
• Represent agency involvement in statewide freshwater fish health issues and provide coordination and liaison with other state, federal and university aquatic fish health personnel.  Regularly consult with hatchery manager and lead fish culturist on fish health status and needs.  Communicate fish health and biosecurity needs and expectations to hatchery staff. 
• Primary responsibilities may include all aspects of culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish.
• The incumbent will assist with maintenance and sanitation of all fish culture apparatuses and equipment, holding and haul tanks, nets, and other culture equipment.  
• Perform fish culture activities adhering to standard and prescribed prophylactic and sanitation techniques to optimize health and quality of all species of culture fishes.
• Assist with all basic facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance duties. May be required to operate vehicles, utility vehicles, trailers, and basic hand tools. Must be able to learn to trailer sometimes heavy loads over long distances to occasionally remote areas.
• Provide fish health suggestions and support to Blackwater Hatchery, if requested.
• Gather and maintain data to assist supervisor with statistical analysis and report preparation. Responsible for completing/submitting administrative reports and required training within the specified time frame.
• Assist with public outreach events as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic aquaculture principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of basic scientific terminology and principles.
• Knowledge of fish biology, fish physiology, fish pathology, fish parasites and associated symptoms of disease.
• Ability to identify freshwater fish.
• Knowledge of fish genetics and general nutritional and environmental requirements of freshwater fish.
• Ability to operate laboratory instruments including microscopes, micropipettes, centrifuges, and thermal cyclers.
• Knowledge of water quality variables relating to a flow-through aquaculture system and culture pond management.
• Knowledge of proper fish culture techniques in spawning, egg handling, fry rearing, fish stocking and brood stock management.
• Knowledge of the methods, equipment and supplies used in the maintenance of a warm water fish hatchery.
• Skilled in the use of computers and computer software, i.e. MS Office Software.
• Ability to generate, analyze and communicate biological data in a relevant manner.
• Ability to calculate dosages and administer chemicals used to anesthetize and treat fish diseases.
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism and interact with employees, colleagues, and public stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to effectively interact with and communicate in writing and orally with the scientific community and with public stakeholders and assist with presentations for public outreach events.
• Ability to participate in, design and conduct biological studies/surveys
• Ability to work in teams and independently to complete tasks in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel out of town with overnight stays
• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, and trailer loads under 10,000 lbs. safely.
• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. overhead safely.

License/Certificate Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
• Possess or obtain a valid Florida Boaters Safety Card within 30 days of employment.
• Successfully complete a FWC Trailer Safety Training course.
• Successfully complete the University of Florida’s Diseases of Warmwater Fish Course prior to employment or within the first year of employment.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.  As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.

• Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
• No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
• Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
• 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly
• Retirement Plan Options
• State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
• On the Job Trainings
• Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
• Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

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

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.