Fisheries Biologist II

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring a Fisheries Biologist II in Frankfort, KY, responsible for managing and conserving rivers and streams. Duties include conducting fish surveys, analyzing data, developing management plans, and collaborating with stakeholders. The role is field-oriented and requires strong organizational skills and biological knowledge. The position offers a full-time schedule with benefits and opportunities for advancement in fisheries management.
Advertisement Closes

4/5/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

26-01529

Fisheries Biologist II

Pay Grade

14

Salary

$43,210.08 - $64,816.08 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 Rivers and Streams Fisheries Program!

As a Fisheries Biologist II, you’ll play a key role in managing and conserving Kentucky’s rivers and streams. This position is responsible for planning and conducting fisheries assessments, analyzing biological data, and developing management recommendations that directly support sustainable sportfish populations and aquatic ecosystems across the state.

In this role, you will:
• Conduct electrofishing and other fish population surveys on rivers and streams
• 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
• Assist with habitat improvement projects and conservation initiatives

Work is field-oriented and hands-on, often performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and stream environments. From wading small headwater creeks to sampling large river systems by boat, no two days are the same. Seasonal fish movements, spawning cycles, and environmental conditions shape the rhythm of the work.

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 and streams for current and future generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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) + 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, entertainment, services and education.

Minimum Requirements

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/Human Dimensions: 9 semester hours (13quarter hours) in communications/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.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jason Herrala at jason.herrala@ky.gov .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D