Ops Biological Scientist I - Fwc - 77903035

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Date:
Aug 14, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website .

Requisition No:881722

Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC -

FWC/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$20/hour

370 Zoo Parkway

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

OPS Position - Biological Scientist I -

St. Augustine, FL - $20/hour

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.

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 may also be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience; practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques; and who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses.

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

Applicants must include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Cover letters, resumes, and references shall be uploaded to the People First System.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.

Prior to the start of surveys, applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training, which may also include the satisfactory completion of an FAA second-class medical certificate.

The position is temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits.

This position is expected to start mid-November (date TBD). The anticipated end date for this position is 4/3/2027. Applicants must be willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. The position is based in St. Augustine, FL.

FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Aerial observers are responsible for surveying open ocean from a small aircraft to locate large whales.

Observers collect in-flight survey data and photo-documentation of large whales, perform real-time photo-identification of right whales, and assist with survey planning and communications while in flight. Observers also perform data management and archival tasks including entering and verifying tabular and spatial data. Observers provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and assist with documentation…