Ops Biological Scientist I - 77900837

Ops Biological Scientist I -

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer.

Requisition No: 880177 Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

Ops Biological Scientist I -  Pay Plan:
Temp Position Number:  Salary: $20 per hour Posting Closing Date: 08/10/2026 Charlotte Harbor, FL

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.

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 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 the successful completion of a Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. The successful candidate will be required to work a flexible schedule that will often require working weekends and holidays, for long durations (10 or more hours), early in the morning and late ect contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry daily is required, and the selected candidate will be expected to represent the Commission in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

The selected candidate will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without direct supervision. The selected candidate will be primarily home-based and will also have access to facilities at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute field station in Port Charlotte, FL. Frequent day-time travel throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Counties is required as well as travel to other regions of Florida, as needed.

The selected candidate will be required to reside in one of the three counties listed. This full time position will be 30-40 hours per week.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Counties by assisting with new and ongoing marine recreational fishing surveys. Duties will include but are not limited to: conducting dockside interviews with recreational anglers to gather data on catch rates, effort, gear and area fished; sampling marine fish dockside to collect accurate length and weight measurements as well as biological samples for age, growth and reproduction;

processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols; reviewing data for quality assurance; and participation in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: fish morphology and identification of marine fishes to species; statistical survey sampling methods and data collection. Ability to: communicate to the public effectively with tact and diplomacy; to gather, maintain, and analyze data; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective work relationships; operate a computer and software such as spreadsheets and word processing; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques;

communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work under adverse conditions, lift up to 25lbs (occasionally up to 50lbs); maintain a valid driver's license, work long hours early in the morning and late at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed.

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. Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan On the Job Trainings Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)