OPS Fish & Wildlife Bio Scientist II - 77902465

It is anticipated that 2 positions (position # 77902465 and position # 77902248) will be hired through this advertisement

Seasonal position from February 1 through June 30, 2026 (may be extended through October 2026)

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 (HSC) is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife Impact Management Section (WIM) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s HSC.  

Description of Duties: 

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking two energetic and motivated candidates, to help address nonnative fish and wildlife in Florida. This position is based out of the FWC Sunrise Office, with daily fieldwork located in the Florida City area. State vehicles will be used for daily travel to and from the field location.   This is a seasonal position that will run from February 1 to June 30, 2026; dependent on resources, the position may be extended through October 2026. The incumbent will focus on removing Argentine black and white tegus from public lands southwest of Florida City and will be responsible for professional representation of the agency and maintaining good working relationships with the public and partners. This region is particularly important for tegu control due to its proximity to nesting sites of imperiled species, such as American crocodiles, least terns, white-crowned pigeons, gopher tortoises, and burrowing owls, and its proximity to Everglades National Park and other sensitive public lands.

Primary duties will include:

• Opening and closing live traps in rural locations on a daily basis, maintaining bait in traps, releasing by-catch from trapping efforts unharmed, safely and humanely removing nonnative wildlife from traps, live trap repair and construction;
• Humanely killing nonnative wildlife using approved methods;
• Collecting, entering, and organizing data on all field activities;
• Quality assurance and quality control of data;
• Maintaining and entering vehicles logs, using a state purchasing card, and submitting purchase receipts.

The position will include driving state vehicles on unpaved roads on public lands and working independently, and requires an ability to solve problems in the field. Knowledge of both native and nonnative reptiles in Florida and experience handling nonnative and potentially dangerous wildlife is preferred.
Additional duties may include:

• Assisting with Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts for nonnative fish and wildlife;
• Conducting other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff in the region.
• The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by the supervisor, Program Coordinator, or Section Leader.

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.