Bio Scientist III

State of Florida

Predation Management Biologist conducting conservation activities for shorebirds in Northeast Florida. Collaborating with teams and stakeholders to manage predators affecting shorebird habitats.

Posted 6/27/2026full-timeSaint Augustine • Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $22 per hourWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Predation Management Biologist will work closely with shorebird program staff to conduct predation management activities at multiple sites within the Northeast Florida (Nassau, Duval, St. Johns Counties) to benefit shorebirds and seabirds.
The biologist will work collaboratively with a regional team and often independently in the field to achieve conservation and management goals.
The Predation Management Biologist will be responsible for communicating with private landowners, local land managers, partnering agencies and the public about predation management in beach dune habitat.
This position will attend public meetings and educational events and participate in shorebird working groups as a spokesperson for predation management.
Work with shorebird biologists to identify sources of shorebird and seabird nest loss; use tracking techniques to identify individual predator(s) associated with nest failure.
Employ proactive management strategies to reduce predator disturbance at priority shorebird sites.
Conduct tracking surveys for common nest and chick predators using sand transects, scent stations, bait stations, and game cameras.
Use tracking surveys to identify and evaluate the presence and spatial use patterns of potential predators in the beach/dune habitat and surrounding natural areas.
Conduct lethal removal of avian and mammalian predators.
Use a variety of non-lethal predator aversion techniques and investigate opportunities to develop and test novel techniques as time allows.
Record GPS points and create maps of all work areas using ArcGIS or Google Earth.
Coordinate with land managers, law enforcement, and other partners about predation management activities.
Prepare summary reports of management strategies and outcomes and assist team with quarterly report writing and assessments.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required.
A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid minimum Class E State of Florida driver’s license.
Occasional overnight field work and travel is required for this position.
Must demonstrate proficiency in handheld GPS navigation, and the use of live traps and assigned firearms upon completion of required trainings and field experiences.
This position will require frequent and close contact with mammals that are known to be sources of rabies.
Personal protective equipment, including rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis series, boosters, and titer checks are provided upon hire.
Experience with mammalian and/or avian predation management.
Experience with various techniques used to trap mammalian and avian species.
Training will be provided on specific management techniques.
Hunting experience (recreational or professional).
Experience with shorebird ID and nest searching/monitoring.
Experience communicating with stakeholders and ability to coordinate resources between agencies and among sites.
Strong customer service skills are an asset.
Experience recording data and writing reports.
Experience with a handheld GPS unit.
Experience with mapping software such as GIS or Google Earth.
Experience trailering, loading, and operating boats and UTVs, and experience kayaking in open water conditions.
Flexible work schedule that may include long days of fieldwork and working up to 10 consecutive days in the field.
Ability to work effectively with little direct supervision, in remote locations, and under hot and humid weather conditions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Excellent critical thinking skills for addressing complex challenges in the field.
Current pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis series preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Participation in state group health insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the Human Resource Office for details.)
Deferred Compensation - voluntary
Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

predation managementGPS navigationdata recordingreport writingshorebird identificationnest searchingmammalian trapping techniquesavian trapping techniquesmapping softwarefirearms proficiency

Soft Skills

communicationcustomer servicecoordinationcritical thinkingindependent workteam collaborationflexibilityproblem-solvingstakeholder engagementfieldwork adaptability

Certifications

Class E State of Florida driver’s licenserabies pre-exposure prophylaxis series