Natural Heritage Biologist

Department

Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) at Florida State University.

Role Overview

Florida State University’s Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) is seeking an entry-level field biologist to support zoological survey work across Florida. The role is centered on field-based research and conservation tasks, with substantial time spent traveling and working in remote locations throughout the year.

Key Duties

• Support line transect distance sampling surveys for gopher tortoises.
• Help carry out surveys for reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
• Contribute to additional field studies when able, including rare plant and animal surveys, bird inventory work, vegetation monitoring, and mapping of natural communities.
• Review camera trap images to confirm whether animals are present and identify the species observed.
• Set up, maintain, and decontaminate field equipment.
• Assist with written report preparation and attend meetings as needed.
• Enter, check, and clean field data, along with other office tasks assigned by the team.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant specialization plus one year of related experience, or an equivalent mix of post-secondary education and experience totaling five years.
• A valid Florida or Georgia driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one before being hired.

Preferred Background

• Ability to begin work as soon as possible.
• Experience interpreting natural communities and habitats from aerial imagery, satellite imagery, and soil surveys.
• Working familiarity with native and invasive Florida plants.
• Working familiarity with species commonly associated with gopher tortoise burrows.
• Working familiarity with mammals native to Florida.
• Strong knowledge of reptiles and amphibians native to Florida and/or the southeastern United States.
• Good physical stamina, including the ability to hike for most of a 10-hour day across varied habitats in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform demanding field work safely using standard equipment, including 4x4 vehicles and occasional boats.
• Interest in or experience with primitive camping during field assignments.
• Willingness to travel heavily, potentially up to 90% for some periods, drive long distances, and work long days averaging 10 hours.
• At least two years of coursework in biological sciences, or equivalent training and experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with FNAI scientists.
• Strong organization and close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to conservation objectives.
• Experience or familiarity with personal computers, databases, GPS, and GIS.

Additional Information

FNAI serves as Florida’s Natural Heritage Program and is the state member of the NatureServe network. It operates within the Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center at Florida State University. The organization maintains a spatial database covering Florida’s rare species and conservation lands, and conducts applied research to support conservation and land management decisions. Funding comes through contracts and grants from state and federal agency partners.

Contact

Questions about the opportunity may be directed to Frank Price, FNAI Director, or Tyler DeVos, FNAI Research Zoologist.

Compensation and Rewards

The anticipated salary for this position is $41,000. FSU also provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes compensation, benefits, wellness, recognition, and employee development resources. The university also offers a Total Compensation Calculator to help estimate overall value, including salary, benefits, retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit an online application with all required details, including full work history for up to ten years and education information, even if a resume is attached.

Veterans' Preference

Eligible service members, veterans, and certain family members may receive preference and priority for state and political subdivision employment. Veterans’ Preference applies only to University Support Personnel System positions. To request Veterans’ Preference, applicants must mark “yes” in the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 or equivalent, the Veterans’ Preference Certification form, and any other required supporting documents before midnight on the closing date.

Considerations

• This is a University Support Personnel System (USPS) position.
• Employment is contingent on a successful criminal history background check.
• The role involves frequent travel, potentially up to 90% during certain periods.
• Long-distance driving and workdays averaging about 10 hours are required.

Equal Opportunity

Florida State University is an equal opportunity employer.