Fisheries Biologist 2 - Multiple Locations

Schedule: Full-time

Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for three (3) Fisheries Biologist 2 positions within the Division of Wildlife assigned to Franklin, Summit, and Greene Counties. The headquarter addresses are: 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, OH 45385 (Greene), 1500 Dublin Rd. Columbus OH 43215 (Franklin), and 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, OH 44319 (Summit). To learn more about the Division of Wildlife please visit

What you will do:

As project leader, develop, manage, coordinate, and evaluate fisheries management and research projects.

Conduct and oversee field assessment and research surveys of inland reservoir, inland streams and rivers, and Ohio River aquatic communities (i.e., fish populations and communities, biodiversity, aquatic macroinvertebrates, plankton communities, physical habitat, aquatic plants, and limnological parameters), and anglers using appropriate sampling methods (i.e., electrofishing, trap nets, gillnets, hoop nets, trawls, plankton nets, habitat mapping equipment, creel surveys).

Collect and analyze fisheries and biological data with appropriate statistical methods, report and distribute technical results, and make appropriate management recommendations.

Represent the ODNR Division of Wildlife with partners and stakeholders, coordinates research with other agencies and institutions, and provides information to the public through meetings, print media, and interviews. Responds to public inquiries.

Monitor and evaluate aquatic diversity related projects (i.e., habitat assessment and restoration, species re-introduction, and aquatic community interactions)

Starting hourly pay of $25.45/hour with multiple pay increases over your first 7 years of service and an ending hourly pay of $33.63/hour.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave

11 paid holidays per year

Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Completion of undergraduate core program in fisheries science AND 24 months of training or 24 months of experience in management and coordination of fisheries projects.

-OR completion of graduate core program in biological sciences to include 6 courses in fisheries science and 2 courses in statistics (e.g., fisheries management, fishery techniques, limnology, ichthyology, fish biology, fish ecology, aquatic entomology) AND 6 months of training or 6 months of experience in management and coordination of fisheries projects.

-OR completion of graduate core program in fisheries science AND 6 months of training or 6 months of experience in management and coordination of fisheries projects.

-OR 24 months of training or 24 months of experience as Fisheries Biologist 1, 22271.

-OR equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Wildlife