OPS F&W Biological Scientist III

OPS F&W Biological Scientist III -

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

OPS F&W Biological Scientist III Pay Plan:
Temp Position Number:  Salary: $23.44 an hour Posting Closing Date: 09/13/2026 Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check

Position Title:

OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III OPS Rate of Pay: $23.44 an hour + benefits (not to exceed 1,920 contract hours per fiscal year) Supervisor:
Elizabeth Clark, Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Education and Outreach Coordinator Broadband Code: 19-1023-03

Position location:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 6224 NW 43rd St. Suite B, Gainesville, FL 32653 Region:
North Central County:
Alachua

Working hours:

40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, occasional nights and weekends and overnight travel required.

Our organization:
The FWC envisions a Florida where native 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.

Minimum qualifications:

A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience.

Additional requirements:

A valid Florida driver's license is required once employee begins work. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position (applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered).

Preferred qualifications:

Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation;
Extensive experience with public speaking and creation of presentations;
Experience handling fish and wildlife, including herpetological species;
Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service;
Ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints and deadlines;
Ability to review and edit documents and presentations to agency standards;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with public or stakeholder representatives;
Ability to generate ideas for public engagement and develop those into action items;
Ability to evaluate program operations, troubleshoot issues and develop solutions to improve efficiency;
Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives;
Ability to troubleshoot and assist the public while communicating over the phone;
Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing for various audiences;
Computer experience (MS Word, Excel, Outlook PowerPoint, Adobe). Familiarity with Florida's nonnative species issues and the state and federal laws governing wildlife, particularly nonnative species;
Ability to identify native and nonnative fish and wildlife;
Ability to properly and safely handle nonnative fish and wildlife;
Familiarity with document accessibility using Adobe Acrobat Pro;
Ability to travel up to 25%. Periods of the year may require more extensive travel.

Description of Duties:
The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to coordinate the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program and assist with education and outreach initiatives related to nonnative fish and wildlife. Primary duties will include facilitating the rehoming of nonnative fish and wildlife kept as pets in Florida through the FWC's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, tracking rehoming requests and adoption reports in the database, answering calls and emails from the Invasive Species Hotline and email account, and organizing 1-3 rehoming day events around the state per year.

This position will assist with various nonnative fish and wildlife outreach and education programs such as the Python Patrol Program, designing, purchasing, and distributing outreach materials, creating print and digital educational materials on emerging nonnative fish and wildlife topics, attending outreach events, updating the website, and conducting other outreach projects in coordination with the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Education and Outreach Coordinator.