What are the responsibilities and job description for the OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I position at State of Florida- Florida Fish and Wildlife...?
Requisition No: 866123
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907449
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907449
Salary: $19.50 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2026
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4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. OR
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with scientific field work or marine invertebrates.
Experience with trailering, vessel operation, and basic maintenance of boats, trucks, and trailers.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Field sampling occurs year-round, in potentially adverse and physically challenging conditions. Field days can reach or exceed 12 hours in duration and may require some overnight travel. A few months of the year will be heavily field-orientated, while others will only have a couple field days. The field duties include but are not limited to participating in monthly oyster spat recruitment sampling, monthly oyster collections, annual oyster population surveys, and annual bay scallop population surveys. Field sampling methods and safety protocols must be adhered to at all times. Population surveys and collections require snorkeling and Scuba diving following AAUS standards. Staff are required to obtain AAUS scientific diving certification through the job within 6 months of employment.
Once samples are collected, the focus will shift to laboratory work. Lab duties include but are not limited to processing oyster recruitment samples, image analysis of oyster shell photos, oyster dissections, and microscopic analysis of histological slides and specimens. All lab work requires close attention to detail and must adhere to safety and processing protocols.
A sizeable portion of the job involves maintenance and preparation of sampling gear, field and lab equipment, vehicles, vessels, and trailers. These maintenance duties range from equipment calibrations, to constructing sampling gear, cleaning used sampling equipment, chemical preparations for samples, and routine vehicle and vessel maintenance.
The ability to effectively manage time is necessary, as this position requires a balance of field sampling, laboratory work, maintenance tasks, and administrative work. Administrative tasks may include data entry, data proofing, submitting travel forms, purchasing, maintaining timesheets, and updating tracking logs. All admin tasks should all be completed in a timely manner. Participation in public outreach events, professional meetings, and ongoing trainings may be required as well. Being able to work in a team, maintain a positive attitude, and communicate effectively is key.
Knowledge of the equipment and methods used in marine science and fisheries research.
- 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.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Salary : $20