OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907045 1

Requisition No: 881977
Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

OPS Biological Scientist I -  1
Pay Plan:
Temp
Position Number:
Salary: $20-$21/hour, depending on experience
Posting Closing Date: 09/03/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Biological Scientist I – OPS
$20-21 per hour
401 Shell Island Road
Naples, FL 34113
Fish and Wildlife Reseach Institute
Biological Scientist I - OPS
Naples, Florida - $20-$21 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.

Four (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 the following qualifications:
One (1) year professional experience operating, conducting research or working onboard vessels.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
This position will involve prolonged intensive field work in adverse and physically challenging conditions during all months of the year, including overtime and multi-day efforts. General working hours are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week on a schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. However, workdays may periodically reach or exceed 12 hours in duration or require a weekend workday.

If the work week exceeds 40 hours, then overtime is authorized for this position.

This is a full-time position with a potential for health benefits that is funded by state funds with the Shellfish Research Group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The position will be in the Naples, Florida area. This position will serve as a member of an independent team responsible for carefully following established protocols to conduct field operations for stone crab, and other shellfish projects in the Southwest region.

Duties include, but are not limited to:
Participating in monthly field sampling efforts which involve: construction, maintenance, and deployment of various field sampling gear; following safety protocols while on the boat, and in particular; conducting benthic and pelagic sample collection, sorting, dissection, and preservation; maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers.
Adhering to the standard field operating procedures of multiple monitoring and research projects to include but not limited to stone crab and other Shellfish projects.
Processing laboratory samples which involves: following sampling and quality assurance/quality control protocols; processing live animals and time-sensitive samples in a timely manner; conducting chemical and biochemical analyses including safe handling of a variety of chemicals; handling live and preserved animal specimens as well as dead specimens in varied states of decay. Laboratory work will often be repetitive and tedious, and the employee in this position will be expected to participate in those activities.
Assisting with data entry and proofing; assisting with preparation of summary reports that include descriptive statistics and graphs.
Administrative duties which include: adhering to purchasing protocols; completing travel documents; submitting timesheets.
Because sampling…