Ops Biological Scientist I - Fwc - 77907384

Requisition No: 852866

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907384

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907384

Salary: $19/hour

Posting Closing Date: 05/31/2025

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Biological Scientist I OPS Position

$19 per hour

11350 SW 153rd Ct

Cedar Key, FL

Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907052

Levy County and surrounding counties - $19 per hour

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preference also may be given to candidates demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, experience identifying finfish to species, or relevant experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

The qualified applicant would be based at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory in Cedar Key. The position requires frequent day-time travel throughout Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Levy, Dixie and Taylor Counties, with occasional opportunities to travel to other regions of Florida as needed. The applicant can live in any of the counties mentioned. This position will be at least 30 hours per week, often on weekends, and will also require work on holidays. To learn more about the project we are hiring for, visit:

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct recreational angler surveys at boat docks, public boat ramps, piers and other fishing sites

Measure, weigh, and identify recreational catches to species

Collect samples from marine fish for stock assessments and genetic analysis

Prepare and deliver data in a timely manner

Work a flexible schedule that includes working on weekends and holidays

Communicate with the public effectively and with diplomacy

Work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision

Maintain field sampling equipment

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with vessel captains and site owners/operators

Work on/near the water and in adverse conditions

Use a personal computer to send emails, participate in meetings, prepare for assignments, and perform other work-related tasks as needed

Maintain frequent contact with field staff and supervisors

Check email a minimum of three times a week and respond in a timely fashion

Maintain a valid drivers license and perform frequent day-time travel using your personal vehicle (with mileage reimbursement) throughout Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Levy, Dixie and Taylor Counties, with occasional opportunities to travel to other regions of Florida as needed

Participation in public outreach efforts as appropriate

Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor

This project work will be paid for through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations. Funding is guaranteed through fiscal year 24/25. Continued funding is dependent on the extension of the project or on new grants or funding being awarded.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of fish morphology and identification of marine fishes to species

Knowledge of statistical survey sampling methods, data collection, and data entry

Communicate with the public effectively and with diplomacy

Work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision

Gather, maintain, and analyze data in an effective and organized manner

Think logically and apply problem-solving techniques

Effectively communicate verbally and in writing

Operate a personal computer

Use Microsoft applications including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel

Maintain a valid drivers license

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. We cannot pay moving expenses. Occasional overtime hours may be required. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are paid at 1.5 times the regular wage.

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
*Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. .

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan

On the Job Trainings

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (...). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.