Lead Wildlife Conservation Efforts in Florida: Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist Role

Are you a seasoned biologist with a passion for leadership and ecological preservation? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist in Panama City, Florida. This critical role offers the chance to lead high-impact conservation programs while shaping the future of endangered species recovery and habitat protection in the region.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist, you will take on a wide range of management duties, including:

Personnel Supervision: Manage and mentor a team of 8-10 biological professionals across various sub-offices.
Strategic Oversight: Lead initiatives related to the Endangered Species Act, including classification, recovery, and inter-agency consultations.
Operational Management: Serve as the Office Manager in Panama City, handling logistics, administrative policy, and budget guidance.
Partnership Building: Work with private landowners, tribes, and other government agencies to implement effective habitat restoration programs.
Technical Advising: Provide scientific recommendations on complex environmental projects, including NEPA reviews and Clean Water Act permitting.

Comparison: Standard Biologist vs. Supervisory Biologist

Feature	Standard Biologist	Supervisory Biologist
Scope	Project-focused	Program/Office-focused
Management	Independent contributor	Manages 8-10 staff
Key Skills	Technical research	Mentoring, Policy, Admin
Primary Focus	Field work	Strategic oversight

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate professional expertise and meet the following criteria:

Education: A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, or natural resource management.
Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service. This must include leadership experience and technical expertise in species/habitat management.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Compliance: Must pass a background check and maintain a valid driver's license.

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-13 position ranges from $106,437 to $138,370 per year. This competitive federal pay scale reflects the high level of responsibility, technical expertise, and leadership required for the position.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
Opportunities for specialized training and leadership development.

Application Tips

Format Your Resume: Keep your resume under 2 pages and ensure the formatting (10-point font, 0.5-inch margins) meets all requirements.
Document Hours: Clearly state the number of hours worked per week for every position listed to ensure your specialized experience is properly credited.
SF-50s: If you are a current federal employee, ensure you submit the correct SF-50 documentation (avoid submitting award-based forms).
Answer Carefully: All questionnaire responses will be reviewed and verified. Be precise when documenting your accomplishments.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a professional ready to step into a leadership role within the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. By coordinating diverse teams and managing critical conservation projects, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining Florida’s unique ecosystems. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of the Interior.

Why This Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist Job Matters

Lead vital conservation efforts in the Florida Panhandle and make a lasting impact on our nation's biodiversity as a Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist.

Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist Job Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking an experienced leader to serve as a Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist in Panama City, Florida. In this role, you will oversee a dedicated team of 8-10 biologists across multiple programs, including endangered species recovery, habitat conservation, and environmental compliance. You will provide strategic guidance, technical expertise, and operational management to ensure the success of critical conservation initiatives in the region.

Requirements for Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must successfully pass an E-Verify employment check.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period may be required.
Minimum 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
Must meet basic educational requirements in biological sciences, agriculture, or natural resource management.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist

Experience managing or mentoring natural resource professionals.
Proven track record in developing collaborative solutions for complex habitat or species plans.
Experience coordinating with Tribal, State, Federal, and non-governmental partners.
Strong technical knowledge of endangered species legislation and environmental impact assessment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Retirement planning and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work options including telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages, including hours worked per week.
Collect required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your entire application package through the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly follows the 2-page limit and font size requirements.
Clearly state 'full-time' or 'part-time' with hours per week for all previous roles.
Do not combine multiple grade levels in your work history; list them separately.
Submit your most recent performance appraisal (within the last 18 months).
Double-check that all required documentation is attached before final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on agency policy and requirements.

What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?

Your resume must not exceed 2 single-sided pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be accepted.

Do I need to submit official transcripts?

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial application, but you must provide official transcripts if you are selected for the position.

What is the geographic location of this position?

This position is based in Panama City, Florida.

Can I submit my application after the closing date?

No. All applications must be submitted via USAJOBS by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.

Is there a probation period?

Yes, new supervisors are typically subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period.

Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. Our core mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. We are the stewards of America's natural heritage, committed to managing national resources through scientific excellence and collaborative partnerships.