OPS -Biological Scientist III - 77900495

State of Florida; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State of Florida 401(a) FICA Plan

Unemployment compensation

Group insurance (eligible)

Deferred Compensation

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seeks a Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologist to serve as the primary contact for human-wildlife conflicts and to provide technical assistance and outreach across regions. The role includes field visits, outreach presentations, and cross‑agency coordination.

The incumbent will monitor conflict reports, share best practices, and support related programs while ensuring compliance with Commission rules and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: a high school diploma and 6 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program are required.
• A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for human-wildlife conflict issues and provide information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife.
• Represent the program at outreach events and conduct presentations to citizen groups as needed.
• Conduct site visits and provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment as necessary.
• Coordinate management of human-wildlife conflict situations and establish clear communication across agency lines.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Public interface

Educational outreach

Data management

Wildlife identification

Florida wildlife issues

Independent work

Team collaboration

Public communication

Driving

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor of Science degree

Tools

Word processing

Information management

Mapping (GIS)

Job description

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OPS -Biological Scientist III - 77900495

Date: Sep 22, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:884000

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS -Biological Scientist III - 77900495

FWC Mission Statement: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Position Number: 77900495

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

Supervisor: Rhonda Latour for inquiries: [e-mail]

Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Region: Northwest

County: Bay County

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, some nights and weekend work may be required. Overnight travel may be required

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where native 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.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation iscomprisedof six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife Impact Management (WIM) Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 6years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program isrequired. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the6years of required experience. A valid driver’s license is required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position.

Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System.

Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Additional requirements:

The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.

In carrying out duties of this position, the incumbent is always expected to be aware of and abide by the Commission's standards of conduct, as well as any and all Commission rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Preferred qualifications :

• Knowledge of the biologicalsciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation.
• Exemplary customer service skills and an ability to interface effectively with the public over the phone on a daily basis regarding sensitive topics.
• Ability to develop and effectively present educational outreach material to adult audiences.
• Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information management, communications,data management, and mapping.
• Knowledge of and experience withwildlife damage control techniques.
• Ability to identify native andnon-native wildlife.
• Knowledge of wildlife issues in Florida.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines with minimal, remote supervision.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effectiveworking relationships.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, stakeholder representatives and coworkers.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• Ability to travel overnight less than 25% of the time.

Description of Duties:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as a Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologist. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for human-wildlife conflict issues and provides information or methods to prevent or mitigate conflicts with wildlife. Assistance provided to the public or agency staff may be provided over the phone, in person, or in writing. Some fieldwork may occur but is not a regular component of this position. The successful candidate will occasionally represent the Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Program at outreach events by conducting presentations to citizen groups. The candidate may also conduct site visits and provide technical assistance, conflict mitigation strategies and loan equipment, as necessary. The Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologist works across multiple Divisions and Sections within FWC to:

• Coordinate management of human-wildlife conflict situations including those involving bears, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife species.
• Network to establish clear communication across the agency about emerging wildlife issues.
• Assist with the implementation of response protocols for human-wildlife conflict situations in coordination with other FWC programs including the Division of Law Enforcement.

Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Provide technical assistance to the public and other agencies on means to address human-wildlife conflicts and to promote strategies to coexist with wildlife.
• Maintain familiarity with prevalent conflict wildlife issues and continually identify and share best technical assistance practices and protocols as required.
• Provide coverage for other regional Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Biologists as needed.
• Maintain an accurate and thorough daily log of public correspondence via the Wildlife Impact Management System database.
• Participate in public outreach efforts as directed to increase appreciation for wildlife and address conflict wildlife abatement or other wildlife-related issues.
• Monitor inbox for incoming online conflict reports for queries that may require additional follow-up and respond with direct communication with stakeholders as needed.
• Occasionally support the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program’s management efforts through response activities.
• Remain up to date on Commission rules and regulations regarding protected wildlife, the take of wildlife, conflict wildlife abatement, and related issues.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Potential to participate in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
• Deferred Compensation - voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.

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.

Location: PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32401 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32404 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32402 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32405

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.