OPS Biological Scientist

Requisition No:865874

Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

OPS Biological Scientist I -  1

Pay Plan:
Temp

Position Number:

Salary: $20/hr

Posting Closing Date: 01/23/2026

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$20 per hour

1105 SW Williston Rd

Gainesville, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I - OPS

Gainesville, Florida-$20 per 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 the following qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences.

Experience conducting and/or assisting field-based biological research.

Experience with wildlife radio telemetry.

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

Applicant must maintain a valid driver’s license and use of reliable transportation. Applicant must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

The selected candidate will serve as an OPS Biological Scientist I within FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Section / Reptile, Amphibian, and Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Subsection. Their primary duties will be to assist staff scientists with ongoing research projects focused on rare and at-risk species. Specifically, the selected candidate will assist with ongoing research focused on at-risk dragonfly conservation, though there may be opportunities to assist with other tasks/projects.

This is a predominantly field-based position and, as such, will require working outdoors in various and often unpleasant conditions that may include: heat, cold, rain, high winds, and exposure to stinging/biting insects (including ticks and mosquitoes). This position will require frequent travel throughout north-central/northeast Florida to access study sites and will sometimes require working weekends and holidays. No overnight travel is anticipated.

This is a seasonal, temporary position not expected to exceed four months. Anticipated start date:
March 6, 2026.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Collect biological, ecological, and environmental data using standardized protocols.
• Operate radio telemetry equipment to monitor wildlife populations.
• Safely operate 4WD vehicles to access study sites.
• Perform other associated tasks as needed.

Knowledge of: (1) standard methods of data collection and management; and (2) general principles of ecology and conservation biology. Ability to: (1) identify, capture, and handle small animals (specifically dragonflies), (2) collect biological, ecological, and environmental data using standardized protocols, (3) safely operate 4WD vehicles to access study sites (and maintain a valid driver license), (4) safely navigate in remote areas without cellular reception,…