Job Description

Requisition No: 864948

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS- F & W BS III - 77905000

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77905000

Salary: $23.44 an hour (1920 hours a fiscal year)

Posting Closing Date: 01/11/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position number: 77905000

LocationKissimmee, other FWC offices considered

Salary: $23.44/hour + benefits (not to exceed 1,920 hours per fiscal year)

Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Supervisor: Tyler Beck

Broadband: 19-1023-03

Region: TBD

Class Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

County:TBD

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 8 – 5, with occasional non-standard hours

Residency Requirement: Florida

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.

of duties: The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section has an exciting opportunity for a Bald Eagle and Snail Kite Biologist to become part of a diverse conservation group. This position plays a key role coordinating bald eagle and snail kite conservation internally and with external partners. Coordination involves multidisciplinary teamwork to tackle issues related to habitat management, water level coordination, research, data management, enforcement, and disease. These efforts facilitate implementation of related conservation plans, including the Bald Eagle Monitoring Plan, Snail Kite Federal Recovery Plan, and State Wildlife Action Plan. There will also be outreach opportunities that may require virtual and/or in-person communication of technical information to a variety of audiences.

This is a full-time, office assigned position. The work schedule is limited to 40 hours per week. The position entails office work as well as field work. Some travel for field work and partner meetings is likely.

Responsibilities and duties will include:

• Disseminate important ecological information pertinent to focal species to habitat managers.
• Field questions from the public and provide outreach pertaining to focal species.
• Advise habitat managers on best practices to benefit focal species in their areas.
• Contribute as a member of various inter and intra agency groups to provide wholistic input on habitat management of various aquatic systems across the state.
• Produce annual reports for internal and external agency groups that summarize conservation work being done for focal species.
• Collaborate as part of an avian team to further bird conservation across the state.
• Support field research on focal species and other avian species.
• Become certified to operate FWC airboats safely and independently, if not already certified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Knowledge of avian ecology, wetland ecology and conservation. Familiarity with state and national conservation programs such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Federal Endangered Species Act.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills. Able to express thoughts clearly and concisely in writing and when speaking with partners and the public.
• Skilled in promoting professional relationships. Able to maintain an enthusiastic and professional demeanor.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills. Self-motivated and able to complete quality work on time.
• Proficiency with the suite of Microsoft programs and GIS software.
• Excellent skills in time management and data management. Able to organize information and details while managing multiple tasks effectively and efficiently with varying deadlines.
• Strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to work effectively in a collaborative team environment with other agency staff members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Able to identify and take advantage of crossover opportunities for conservation between bald eagles and snail kites.
• Able to conduct monitoring activities outdoors, to safely operate vehicles, including watercraft, and occasionally work in potentially uncomfortable field conditions. Ability to operate an airboat is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences, preferably in natural resource conservation, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in one of the listed fields is strongly preferred.

A resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. Applications without a resume or cover letter will not be considered. Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

OPS are not eligible for leave or paid holidays. OPS employees have the potential for Health Insurance, Life Insurance, OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation plans.

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.