Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III

• Lead fish-health sampling and diagnostic evaluations for disease and parasite detection, control, and crop evaluation
• Perform scheduled necropsies and health assessments of hatchery-reared fish from eggs through adult brood stock
• Conduct parasite diagnostics and bacteriological cultures to identify pathological conditions
• Administer or supervise fish-health medications, water treatments, and FDA-approved prophylactic treatments
• Perform fish-health screening according to internal fish-health protocols
• Develop research protocols and conduct experiments on fish disease pathways to improve culture efficiency and survival
• Work with federal and state agencies to evaluate emerging therapeutic drugs, anesthetics, and non-chemical treatments
• Represent the agency on statewide freshwater fish-health issues and coordinate with state, federal, and university personnel
• Consult with hatchery management and communicate fish-health and biosecurity needs to staff
• Assist with intensive and extensive culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish
• Maintain and sanitize fish-culture apparatus, equipment, tanks, nets, and related equipment
• Perform fish-culture activities using prescribed prophylactic and sanitation techniques
• Assist with facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance
• Operate vehicles, utility vehicles, trailers, and hand tools; trailer heavy loads to remote areas as needed
• Provide fish-health support to Blackwater Hatchery when requested
• Gather and maintain data for statistical analysis and report preparation
• Complete administrative reports and required training on time
• Assist with public outreach events

• 6 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program; or
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences plus 2 years of professional biological experience; or
• Master's degree in biological sciences plus 1 year of professional experience; or
• Doctorate in biological sciences, which can substitute for required experience
• Fingerprint-based criminal history check required
• Preferred:
  Master of Science in life or physical science, preferably fisheries or aquaculture sciences
• Basic aquaculture principles and techniques
• Fish biology, physiology, pathology, parasites, and disease symptoms
• Freshwater fish identification
• Fish genetics and freshwater fish nutritional and environmental requirements
• Ability to operate microscopes, micropipettes, centrifuges, and thermal cyclers
• Water quality and flow-through aquaculture systems knowledge
• Warmwater fish hatchery culture, spawning, egg handling, fry rearing, stocking, and brood stock management
• MS Office software proficiency
• Biological data generation, analysis, and communication
• Fish disease chemical dosage calculation and administration
• Ability to design and conduct biological studies and surveys
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Overnight travel availability
• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, and trailers under 10,000 lbs. safely
• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. overhead safely
• Valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of employment
• Valid Florida Boater Safety Card within 30 days of employment
• Successful completion of FWC Trailer Safety Training
• Successful completion of the University of Florida's Diseases of Warmwater Fish Course prior to employment or within the first year

Demonstrates expertise in fish health diagnostics, including disease detection and treatment administration, while effectively collaborating with state and federal agencies. Proficient in biological data analysis and communication, with a strong foundation in aquaculture principles and practices.

• Fish Health Diagnostics
• Aquaculture Principles
• Biological Data Analysis
• Fish Disease Treatment…