Natural Heritage Biologist

Department

Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI)

Responsibilities

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) at Florida State University is looking for a mid-level field biologist who will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of conservation focused botanical, zoological, and ecological projects depending on their capabilities. Currently funded projects this position may work on include rare plant surveys, invasive plant surveys, gopher tortoise surveys, avian surveys, camera trapping of herps and mammals, vegetation monitoring, conservation easement monitoring, and natural (vegetative) community mapping. Working with co-workers, and agency partners, this Field Biologist will gather and process field data, prepare reports, attend meetings, and perform other duties necessary to complete projects under the direction of the Senior Botanist and other project leads. The position requires extensive travel (up to 90%) and field work in remote locations across Florida throughout the year.

• Conduct botanical/zoological/ecological field data collection for FNAI contract and grant funded projects. This may require up to 90% travel for some periods.
• Prepare maps using ArcGIS, process field data, analyze spatial and tabular data, and prepare written documents on findings suitable for agency reports or publications.
• Collaborate with co-workers and agency partners to coordinate project activities and present results.
• Attend meetings and workshops relevant to performance of position.
• Assist in the completion of contract and grant proposals and technical reports upon project completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience or a combination of post high school and experience equal to five years.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences (graduate degree preferred)
• Excellent physical condition (able to hike for most of a 10-hr day through a variety of habitats in any weather).
• Minimum of two years full-time experience collecting biological field data.
• Ability to safely conduct rigorous field work using standard field equipment including 4x4 vehicles and sometimes boats.
• Experience/interest in primitive camping during field work (camping on site during the cooler months allows FNAI staff to make good use of daylight in areas where hotels are far away).
• Experience using dichotomous keys.
• Ability to communicate well in person and in writing.
• Ability to work well with FNAI staff scientists.
• Good organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as be part of a team and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to FNAI's conservation goals.
• Experience with personal computers, databases, GPS, and GIS.
• Experience with natural community and habitat interpretation from aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and soil surveys.
• Experience in the statistical analysis of biological data.
• Familiarity with conservation land management practices
• Knowledge of conservation easements - establishment, associated land use restrictions, monitoring procedures, etc

One or more of:

• Working knowledge of common native and invasive plants of Florida or the southeast.
• Working knowledge of commensal species commonly encountered in gopher tortoise burrows.
• Ability to identify birds of Florida by sight and sound.
• Ability to identify Florida mammals and knowledge of their biology and behavior.
• Ability to identify reptiles and amphibians of Florida by sight and sound (as applicable).
• Experience using camera traps in herp and mammal inventory.

Other Information

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) is Floridas Natural Heritage Program and state member of the NatureServe network. We are housed within the Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center at Florida State University . FNAI maintains a spatial database of information on Floridas rarest species and conservation lands and works on an array of applied research projects to inform conservation and land management decisions. Our funding is provided by contracts and grants from state and federal agency partners.

Contact Info

For questions, or more information, contact Frank Price, FNAI Director, or Amy Jenkins, FNAI Senior Botanist.

University Information

One of the nations elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Low to mid $40,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Veterans Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans Preference, select "yes" to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for Veterans' Preference eligibility requirements and Veterans' Preference required documentation (PDF), or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

Considerations

This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is anticipated to start September 2026.

This position requires frequent travel (potentially as much as 90% for some periods), driving long distances, working long days (averaging 10 hrs.), and may require overnight camping in remote areas.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.