OPS Biological Scientist

Requisition No: 882251

Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

OPS Biological Scientist I -

Pay Plan:
Temp

Position Number:

Salary: $19.50/hour

Posting Closing Date: 09/14/2026

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.

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.

• Experience removing otoliths through the gills
• Florida Gulf Coast fish
• Scientific data collection

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

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers no benefits or moving expenses. Occasional overtime hours may occur. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are paid @ 1.5 times the regular wage. The position requires applicants to use their personal vehicle to perform their job duties with travel reimbursements available at $0.76 cents/mile.
Conduct directed field research and monitoring of commercial fisheries from Florida’s Gulf Coast waters by collecting detailed biostatistical data, including but not limited to: species composition, sex ratio, fish weight, and size of fish and shellfish from commercial catches. Interview fishermen to gather additional data on catch rates, effort, gear, and area fished. This position will also collect samples from marine fish for stock assessments and genetic analysis.

Compile and enter data into databases as necessary. Data must be prepared and delivered in a timely manner. Evaluate collection procedures and suggest modifications. Participate in the development of methodologies for collecting appropriate biostatistical data on new and emerging fisheries. Maintain field sampling equipment. Additional duties may include data analysis, production of tables and figures for publication, participation in technical or scientific reports, and occasional sampling of recreational fisheries.

The qualified applicant would be based at the FWC/FWRI Field Lab in Eastpoint, FL. The position requires frequent day-time travel in Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, occasional overnight travel to St. Petersburg, and opportunities to travel to other regions of Florida as needed. Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor. May participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate.

Knowledge of and ability to:
Identify marine fish and invertebrates from Florida’s Gulf Coast waters; apply scientific sampling methodology and statistical techniques for analyzing fisheries data. Ability to: conduct field sampling of commercial and recreational catches of fish and interview fishers to obtain characteristics of their fishing trips; operate computers including…