Biological Scientist III

State of Florida

Volunteer Program Biologist coordinating conservation projects and managing volunteers for wildlife in Florida's Northwest Region. Engage in community collaborations and support wildlife conservation initiatives actively.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timePanama City • Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $22 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in volunteer management, conservation project design and implementation, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams. Proficient in analyzing biological data and managing multiple concurrent projects while fostering positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Volunteer Management ExperienceConservation Project DesignBiological Data AnalysisEffective Communication SkillsKnowledge of Florida Ecosystems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Wildlife SurveysSpecies TaggingHabitat RestorationData ManagementProject ManagementBiological FieldworkSafety Guidelines AdherenceGIS Software KnowledgeDatabase ManagementMicrosoft Office Proficiency

Soft Skills

TeamworkSelf-DirectionDecision-MakingOrganizational SkillsPublic Speaking

Tools & Technologies

Social Media ApplicationsMicrosoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Access

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Florida Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

ConservationWildlife ManagementEcosystemsVolunteer IntegrationParticipatory Science

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Coordinating volunteers for conservation projects, collaborating with biologists, land managers, and interested groups.
Supporting a variety of species and habitats in the Northwest region of Florida.
Designing, implementing, monitoring and supporting conservation efforts that engage volunteers.
Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers and volunteer projects.
Providing expert support in best practices for volunteer integration to FWC’s land managers and biologists.
Conducting wildlife surveys and monitoring, species tagging, habitat restoration, land management, and attendance at events and festivals.
Building interagency and external partnerships through events like field workdays, workshops, presentations, etc. to promote and carry out volunteer-driven conservation projects on both public and private lands.
Designing and/or implementing survey protocols for threatened and endangered wildlife.
Monitors and evaluates long-term conservation projects that use volunteers and interns.
Encouraging the use of and implements tools for data feedback from projects to partners and the public.
Designing, leading, and managing multiple concurrent conservation projects that involve volunteers.
Ensuring volunteers are appropriately trained to meet rigorous scientific protocol standards.
Plans and implements volunteer communications and recognition events.
Works closely with the FWC Volunteer Program Manager as well as the other regional Volunteer Program Biologists to develop and promote the FWC Volunteer Program.
Counsels FWC staff on volunteer, intern, and participatory science best management practices.
Prepares quarterly and annual reports and other reports, as well as content for social media and newsletter communications.
Presents at regional and statewide meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
Trains staff on and assists with volunteer data management and tracking.

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.
Applicants must include both a resume and cover letter to be considered.
Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
Must be willing to travel overnight and during the day for projects, meetings, and workshops.
Travel for day trips as well as overnight travel within a 200-mile radius and beyond the boundaries of the FWC’s Northwest Region, as well as travel throughout the state and out of the state for conferences.
Approximately 25%-50% of this position’s time includes travel, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings, as necessary.
Cooperation, communication, and teamwork are necessary skills for this position.
Candidates must be highly proficient in written and verbal communication.
The successful applicant will demonstrate self-direction and self-motivation, sound decision-making, and the ability to create and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partners.
Preferred 1-3 years volunteer management experience.
Demonstrated experience in a volunteer management role.
Broad-based working knowledge of a variety of non-game Florida species across multiple taxa.
Knowledge of the ecosystems of Florida (or Southeastern United States), wildlife management practices, and conservation threats.
Ability to analyze biological data and to report it in a scientific manner.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to set and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, both independently and as part of a team.
Proven capacity to self-direct work, proactively identify needs, and independently carry tasks from start to finish.
Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective oral and written communication skills including public speaking, preparing multi-media presentations, and handling sensitive or difficult conversations.
Ability to effectively use computer programs to conduct work duties (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access).
Knowledge of database management and/or GIS software programs.
Knowledge of social media applications.
Ability to work outdoors conducting land management activities in remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances.
Ability to operate power tools safely, including chainsaws, and to train and supervise volunteers performing fieldwork to adhere to safety guidelines and precautions.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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