What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fisheries Biologist II (GFTL) position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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10/20/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2605204
Fisheries Biologist II (GFTL)
Pay Grade 14
Salary
$44,074.08 - $66,110.88 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources
Location
1 Sportsmans Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
Love working outdoors and managing dynamic fisheries?
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is seeking a motivated Fisheries Biologist II to join our Aquatic Invasive Species Branch - Frankfort!
As a Fisheries Biologist II, you’ll play a key role in the research and management of invasive carp within the Ohio River and its tributaries. This position is responsible for planning and conducting various fisheries assessments, analyzing biological data, and developing management recommendations related to invasive carp and ANS management. The successful candidate will have experience and knowledge with database programs, fish and wildlife programs and projects, strong organizational skills, and a strong work ethic. Required work hours are 37.5 hours per week; however, overtime and irregular shifts may be required for the completion of projects.
In This Role, You Will
Work is field-oriented and hands-on, often performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and river environments. This position requires strong organizational skills, biological knowledge, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The Fisheries Biologist II classification includes responsibility for project leadership, data analysis, reporting, and contributing to statewide fisheries management objectives.
If you’re passionate about rivers, fish populations, and science-based resource management, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Kentucky’s aquatic resources. The position has opportunities for advancement into senior biologist role as experience and performance warrant.
Join us in conserving and enhancing Kentucky’s rivers for current and future generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Preferred Skills: Proficient with boat trailering and operation in various waterbodies and weather conditions. Well versed in freshwater fish identification, and conducting fish sampling techniques including gill nets, electrofishing, and trawls. Must be able to swim. Proficient with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and Power Point and data analysis with SAS or program R preferred.
We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree. Transcript review must indicate that the following course work has been earned at the undergraduate or graduate level: 1. Biological Sciences: 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biological sciences. Four courses (12 semester or 18 quarter hours) must be in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; 6 of the 12 required semester hours must be directly related to fisheries science and at least one course (3 semester hours) must cover the principles of fisheries science and management. These courses may include fish management, ichthyology, aquaculture, fish ecology, principles of fisheries science, limnology, and stream ecology. The remaining hours can include other biological science courses such as biology, botany, and ecology. Examples of courses include biology, botany, ecology, cellular biology, fish management, ichthyology and limnology. 2. Physical Sciences: 15 semester hours (23 quarter hours) in physical sciences. Examples of courses are chemistry, physics, hydrology, astronomy, earth science and meteorology. 3. Mathematics and Statistics: 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in mathematics and statistics. Must include one calculus and one statistics OR two statistics courses. 4. Communications and Human Dimensions: 9 semester hours (13quarter hours) in communications and human dimensions. Courses include verbal and writing courses that include public speaking, discussion, composition and technical writing. Up to 3 semester hours related to Master's thesis or PhD dissertation course work will count towards the 9 semester hour requirement. Human dimensions can include courses in areas of human personnel management, conflict resolution, socioeconomic and survey techniques.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have one years of professional experience in fishery research, fishery management and, or, a related field.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Certification by The American Fisheries Society at the Associate Fisheries Professional or Certified Fisheries Professional level will substitute for the education requirements. For additional information on The American Fisheries Society refer to https://fisheries.org/ A master's degree in fishery management, fishery biology or a related field will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to appointment in this classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Incumbents working in this job title spend the majority of time outdoors performing job duties.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jeffrey Herod at jeffrey.herod@ky.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
10/20/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2605204
Fisheries Biologist II (GFTL)
Pay Grade 14
Salary
$44,074.08 - $66,110.88 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources
Location
1 Sportsmans Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
Love working outdoors and managing dynamic fisheries?
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is seeking a motivated Fisheries Biologist II to join our Aquatic Invasive Species Branch - Frankfort!
As a Fisheries Biologist II, you’ll play a key role in the research and management of invasive carp within the Ohio River and its tributaries. This position is responsible for planning and conducting various fisheries assessments, analyzing biological data, and developing management recommendations related to invasive carp and ANS management. The successful candidate will have experience and knowledge with database programs, fish and wildlife programs and projects, strong organizational skills, and a strong work ethic. Required work hours are 37.5 hours per week; however, overtime and irregular shifts may be required for the completion of projects.
In This Role, You Will
- Conduct electrofishing and other fish population surveys on rivers
- Analyze biological data and prepare technical reports
- Develop and implement management plans and recommendations
- Provide input on regulation changes and fisheries policy
- Coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and the public
Work is field-oriented and hands-on, often performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and river environments. This position requires strong organizational skills, biological knowledge, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The Fisheries Biologist II classification includes responsibility for project leadership, data analysis, reporting, and contributing to statewide fisheries management objectives.
If you’re passionate about rivers, fish populations, and science-based resource management, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Kentucky’s aquatic resources. The position has opportunities for advancement into senior biologist role as experience and performance warrant.
Join us in conserving and enhancing Kentucky’s rivers for current and future generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Preferred Skills: Proficient with boat trailering and operation in various waterbodies and weather conditions. Well versed in freshwater fish identification, and conducting fish sampling techniques including gill nets, electrofishing, and trawls. Must be able to swim. Proficient with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and Power Point and data analysis with SAS or program R preferred.
We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:
- A 37.5-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
- Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
- Overtime and compensatory time
- Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account
- Life insurance
- Retirement
- Wellness incentives program
- Training and career development opportunities
- Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
- Employee discounts on electronics; health and wellness; retail; travel, events and entertainment; and services and education
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree. Transcript review must indicate that the following course work has been earned at the undergraduate or graduate level: 1. Biological Sciences: 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biological sciences. Four courses (12 semester or 18 quarter hours) must be in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; 6 of the 12 required semester hours must be directly related to fisheries science and at least one course (3 semester hours) must cover the principles of fisheries science and management. These courses may include fish management, ichthyology, aquaculture, fish ecology, principles of fisheries science, limnology, and stream ecology. The remaining hours can include other biological science courses such as biology, botany, and ecology. Examples of courses include biology, botany, ecology, cellular biology, fish management, ichthyology and limnology. 2. Physical Sciences: 15 semester hours (23 quarter hours) in physical sciences. Examples of courses are chemistry, physics, hydrology, astronomy, earth science and meteorology. 3. Mathematics and Statistics: 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in mathematics and statistics. Must include one calculus and one statistics OR two statistics courses. 4. Communications and Human Dimensions: 9 semester hours (13quarter hours) in communications and human dimensions. Courses include verbal and writing courses that include public speaking, discussion, composition and technical writing. Up to 3 semester hours related to Master's thesis or PhD dissertation course work will count towards the 9 semester hour requirement. Human dimensions can include courses in areas of human personnel management, conflict resolution, socioeconomic and survey techniques.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have one years of professional experience in fishery research, fishery management and, or, a related field.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Certification by The American Fisheries Society at the Associate Fisheries Professional or Certified Fisheries Professional level will substitute for the education requirements. For additional information on The American Fisheries Society refer to https://fisheries.org/ A master's degree in fishery management, fishery biology or a related field will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to appointment in this classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Incumbents working in this job title spend the majority of time outdoors performing job duties.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jeffrey Herod at jeffrey.herod@ky.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Salary : $44,074 - $66,111