Ops Biological Scientist Iii

Position Overview

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III – Ohio State Personnel System (OPS) position located in Panama City, FL at the Northwest Regional Office. This full‑time role provides a pay rate of $21.63 per hour and includes health benefits. The successful candidate will coordinate volunteer programs, design and manage conservation projects, and collaborate with biologists, land managers, and community partners across the Florida panhandle.

• Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers and volunteer projects.
• Designs and implements survey protocols for threatened and endangered wildlife.
• Monitors and evaluates long‑term conservation projects that use volunteers and interns.
• Encourages and implements tools for data feedback to partners and the public.
• Designs, leads, and manages multiple concurrent conservation projects involving volunteers.
• Ensures volunteers meet rigorous scientific protocol standards.
• Plans and implements volunteer communication and recognition events.
• Works closely with the FWC Volunteer Program Manager and other regional Volunteer Program Biologists to develop and promote the FWC Volunteer Program.
• Counsels staff on volunteer, intern, and participatory science best practices.
• Prepares quarterly and annual reports and content for social media and newsletters.
• Presents at regional and statewide meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
• Trains staff on volunteer data management and tracking.

• High school diploma and 6 years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program, or a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field substituting for 4 of the 6 years.

• 1–3 years of volunteer management experience.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and self‑direction skills.
• Proficient written and verbal communication; public speaking experience.

• Experience in volunteer management.
• Broad knowledge of non‑game Florida species across multiple taxa.
• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems, wildlife management practices, and conservation threats.
• Ability to analyze biological data and present scientific results.
• Project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactivity and independent work capability.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access) and database/GIS knowledge.
• Knowledge of social media applications.
• Outdoor work experience in remote, physically demanding locations.
• Safe operation of power tools (chainsaws) and ability to train volunteers on safety.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel overnight and during the day for projects, meetings, and workshops within a 200‑mile radius and beyond the Northwest Region, including statewide and out‑of‑state travel for conferences.
• Approximately 25–50% travel; flexibility to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Health benefits and extensive field training with opportunities to develop soft skills and participate in dynamic conservation projects.

Location:

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, 32407; PANAMA CITY, FL, 32401; 32404; 32405; 32413; 32402; 32408. The State of Florida is an EEO employer and supports a drug‑free workplace.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287 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.