Fisheries Biologist II (GFTL)

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holidays

Health insurance

Retirement

Training and career development

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources, seeks a Fisheries Biologist II (GFTL) in Frankfort to study invasive carp and support statewide fisheries management.

The role involves fieldwork, data analysis, and developing management recommendations. A bachelor’s in biological sciences and one year of relevant experience are required; this is a grant-funded position with comprehensive benefits and advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with required fisheries/aquatic science coursework.
• 30 semester hours in biological sciences; 12 hours in fisheries related courses.
• 15 semester hours in physical sciences; 6 hours in math and statistics; include calculus and statistics.
• 9 semester hours in communications and human dimensions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct electrofishing and other fish population surveys on rivers.
• Analyze biological data and prepare technical reports.
• Develop and implement management plans and recommendations.
• Coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide input on regulation changes and fisheries policy.

Skills

Boat trailer operation

Swimming ability

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

SAS

R

Job description

Fisheries Biologist II (GFTL)

Advertisement Closes: 10/20/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade: 14

Salary: $44,074.08 - $66,110.88 Annually

Employment Type: EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency: Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources

Location: 1 Sportsmans Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

Love working outdoors and managing dynamic fisheries?

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is seeking a motivated Fisheries Biologist II to join our Aquatic Invasive Species Branch - Frankfort!

As a Fisheries Biologist II, you’ll play a key role in the research and management of invasive carp within the Ohio River and its tributaries. This position is responsible for planning and conducting various fisheries assessments, analyzing biological data, and developing management recommendations related to invasive carp and ANS management. The successful candidate will have experience and knowledge with database programs, fish and wildlife programs and projects, strong organizational skills, and a strong work ethic. Required work hours are 37.5 hours per week; however, overtime and irregular shifts may be required for the completion of projects.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct electrofishing and other fish population surveys on rivers
• Analyze biological data and prepare technical reports
• Develop and implement management plans and recommendations
• Provide input on regulation changes and fisheries policy
• Coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and the public

This is a grant funded time-limited (GFTL) position. This means it is a position that is paid entirely as the result of a grant. The duration of employment shall not exceed the life of the grant that funds the position. An employee appointed to a GFTL position is required to meet the minimum requirements for the classification. Further, an employee appointed to a GFTL position is designated as an unclassified (non-merit) employee. A GFTL employee is eligible to receive benefits at the same level as a classified (merit) employee in a permanent position.

Work is field-oriented and hands‑on, often performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and river environments. This position requires strong organizational skills, biological knowledge, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The Fisheries Biologist II classification includes responsibility for project leadership, data analysis, reporting, and contributing to statewide fisheries management objectives.

If you’re passionate about rivers, fish populations, and science‑based resource management, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Kentucky’s aquatic resources. The position has opportunities for advancement into senior biologist role as experience and performance warrant.

Join us in conserving and enhancing Kentucky’s rivers for current and future generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Preferred Skills

Proficient with boat trailering and operation in various waterbodies and weather conditions. Well versed in freshwater fish identification, and conducting fish sampling techniques including gill nets, electrofishing, and trawls. Must be able to swim. Proficient with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and Power Point and data analysis with SAS or program R preferred.

Benefits

We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY‑FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:

• A 37.5-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
• Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
• Overtime and compensatory time
• Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account
• Life insurance
• Retirement
• Wellness incentives program
• Training and career development opportunities
• Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
• Employee discounts on electronics; health and wellness; retail; travel, events and entertainment; and services and education

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree. Transcript review must indicate that the following course work has been earned at the undergraduate or graduate level: 1. Biological Sciences: 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biological sciences. Four courses (12 semester or 18 quarter hours) must be in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; 6 of the 12 required semester hours must be directly related to fisheries science and at least one course (3 semester hours) must cover the principles of fisheries science and management. These courses may include fish management, ichthyology, aquaculture, fish ecology, principles of fisheries science, limnology, and stream ecology. The remaining hours can include other biological science courses such as biology, botany, and ecology. Examples of courses include biology, botany, ecology, cellular biology, fish management, ichthyology and limnology. 2. Physical Sciences: 15 semester hours (23 quarter hours) in physical sciences. Examples of courses are chemistry, physics, hydrology, astronomy, earth science and meteorology. 3. Mathematics and Statistics: 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in mathematics and statistics. Must include one calculus and one statistics OR two statistics courses. 4. Communications and Human Dimensions: 9 semester hours (13quarter hours) in communications and human dimensions. Courses include verbal and writing courses that include public speaking, discussion, composition and technical writing. Up to 3 semester hours related to Master's thesis or PhD dissertation course work will count towards the 9 semester hour requirement. Human dimensions can include courses in areas of human personnel management, conflict resolution, socioeconomic and survey techniques.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have one years of professional experience in fishery research, fishery management and, or, a related field.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Certification by The American Fisheries Society at the Associate Fisheries Professional or Certified Fisheries Professional level will substitute for the education requirements. For additional information on The American Fisheries Society refer to https://fisheries.org/ A master's degree in fishery management, fishery biology or a related field will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to appointment in this classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Incumbents working in this job title spend the majority of time outdoors performing job duties.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jeffrey Herod at [e-mail]

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D