Fisheries Biologist II — Field Research & Habitat Restoration

Organization

Natural Resources

Stephanie Sweazy,  or stephanie.sweazyo.gov

Jul 29, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

DNR Athens 360 East State Street Athens 45701

United States of America - OHIO
- Athens County
- Athens

United States of America - OHIO
- Hancock County
- Findlay

$28.76/hr (starting hourly pay) with a scheduled increase to $38.01/hr over 5.5 years of service.

Full‑time, 8am-5pm (subject to change)

OCSEA

Wildlife

Natural Resources

Analyzation, Attention to Detail

Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) employs office staff, law‑enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, and managers. Employees participate in public events, lunch‑and‑learn sessions, and monthly updates with the director.

We are seeking two (2) Fisheries Biologist 2 positions within the Division of Wildlife:

• Position PN :
  Headquartered in Hancock County at District 2 Headquarters, 952 Lima Avenue Findlay, Ohio 45840.
• Position PN :
  Headquartered in Athens County at District 4 Headquarters, 360 East State Street Athens, Ohio 45701.

What you will do…

• Principal investigator of field surveys and research of aquatic organisms (e.g., fish, crayfish, freshwater mussels), invasive species monitoring and control, and aquatic habitat and water quality assessment.
• Participate in fish‑management research projects across rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs, covering fish age/growth, population dynamics, recruitment, mortality, exploitation, stocking strategies, and regulation effects.
• Determine project needs, staffing, equipment, scheduling, and budgets; prepare technical reports and management recommendations; contribute to strategic, tactical, and operational planning.
• Collate biological and environmental data using statistical methods, develop and maintain computer files and analytical tools, interpret statistical outcomes, and prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations for internal, public, and scientific meetings.
• Work with stakeholders and inter‑agency teams on aquatic organisms and habitat restoration and protection projects (e.g., species recovery, dam removal, riparian corridor protection, water‑quality improvements), aquatic invasive species projects (e.g., prevention, early detection, control, outreach), and initiatives funded through external grant programs; represent the division on committees.

Eligible full‑time employees receive a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after the eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster‑care leave
• Education and development opportunities (employee development funds, public‑service loan forgiveness, and more)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Completion of an undergraduate core program in fisheries science and 24 months of training or experience in the management and coordination of fisheries projects, OR completion of a graduate core program in biological sciences that includes six courses in fisheries science and two courses in statistics, with six months of training or experience in fisheries project management, OR completion of a graduate core program in fisheries science with six months of training or experience in fisheries project management.

Additionally, 24 months of training or experience as a Fisheries Biologist 1 (22271) is required, or an equivalent qualification. Minimum class qualifications listed above are also acceptable.

Job

Skills:

Wildlife, Natural Resources, Attention to Detail, Analyzation

Applicants must submit transcripts for all coursework, degrees, or educational accomplishments referenced in the application. Official transcripts are required by the posting…