Freshwater Fisheries Biologist

Requisition No: 873110

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Freshwater Fisheries Biologist

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907484

Salary: $21/hour

Posting Closing Date: 04/15/2026

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Freshwater Fisheries Research

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II – OPS Position

$21 per hour

7386 NW 71st Street

Gainesville, FL 32653

FWRI Freshwater Fisheries Research

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II - OPS 77907484

Gainesville, Florida - $21 per hour

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:

5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program; OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year 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 can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

Master of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Fisheries/Aquatic Sciences.

Experience sampling fish, habitat and water quality in freshwater ecosystems.

Experience with Microsoft Office, R and R Studio, and ArcGIS.

Experience extracting, processing and aging otoliths.

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:

Independently and cooperatively plan, direct, and participate in all aspects pertaining to freshwater fish population and community monitoring in the Ocklawaha River Basin and Suwannee River Basin. Duties include but are not limited to sportfish monitoring, fish community monitoring, and seasonal creel surveys. Specific responsibilities associated with these duties include but are not limited to data collection for fish length frequency, age and growth, and/or other population parameters deemed necessary (e.g., fish condition, fishing mortality), data analysis, model development, description of findings in annual reports and oral presentations, publication of significant findings, and recommendations of management strategies.

Assist the research leader in developing, planning and executing field activities of lacustrine and riverine research studies and resource monitoring throughout the State of Florida. Studies may include specific hypothesis testing of questions associated with fish populations, fish communities, or fish biology relating to stream ecology, resource assessment, invasion ecology and/or instream flows and levels. Responsibilities include measurement of physical and chemical water parameters, freshwater fish collections, and aquatic habitat assessment and measurement. Assist with project data analysis, model development, description of findings in annual reports and oral presentations, publication of significant findings, and recommendations of management strategies.

Supervise OPS personnel as assigned and direct their efforts toward accomplishment of field and laboratory studies. Duties include but are not limited to recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: The biological sciences, including terminology, principles and techniques used in research and monitoring of freshwater fishes. Data collection and analytical procedures for field and laboratory work and supervisory practices, principles and procedures.

Skill in: The use of scientific laboratory and field equipment, and writing (both technical and popular articles and publications).

Ability to: Conduct scientific research using scientific methods and techniques; perform quantitative analysis of scientific data; prepare written reports; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel and budget administration; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; effectively supervise others, establish and maintain effective working relationships; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 22'; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency, work outdoors in adverse conditions and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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. .

Health Premiums $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family Biweekly

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/.

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.