What are the responsibilities and job description for the OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC - 77907373 position at State of Florida?
Requisition No: 865109
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC - 77907373
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907373
Salary: $20/Hour
Posting Closing Date: 12/08/2025
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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Biological Scientist I – OPS Position
$20 per hour
401 Shell Island Road
Naples, FL
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907373
Naples, Florida - $20 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.
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 with the following qualifications:
B.S. degree in one of the physical or life sciences.
Two or more years of work experience in the field of biological sciences.
Two or more years of work experience involving sea turtles.
Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
40 hours a week, including one weekend day and one shift from 12-8 pm EST.
Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated in the profile application/resume/cover letter.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking someone to assist with coordinating Florida’s nesting beach survey programs (Statewide Nesting Beach Survey Program, Index Nesting Beach Survey Program, and the Nest Productivity Assessment) and Florida’s Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). The successful candidate will help coordinate FWRI’s nesting beach survey programs; assist with nesting data entry and verification; participate in FWRI research projects which may include daytime or nighttime field work and the collection, preparation, and transport of various samples from the nesting beaches; assist nesting beach survey groups with the FWRI nesting app and provide guidance or conduct site visits as needed; and participate in ground-truthing exercises as needed. The successful candidate will also respond or coordinate the response to reports of stranded sea turtles, document the incidents as needed, and enter and update sea turtle stranding data; transport sick or injured sea turtles to rehabilitation facilities and assist with releases of rehabilitated sea turtles; transport dead turtles to necropsy and assist with necropsies; and provide training and guidance for Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network participants and interact with them to maintain effective communication. The successful candidate will also participate in public outreach efforts and perform other work as needed. This position requires the incumbent to work one weekend day and some evenings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of sea turtle biology and conservation, especially pertaining to sea turtles in Florida.
Knowledge of terminology and methodology used when conducting sea turtle nesting beach surveys and hatching success evaluations.
Knowledge of terminology and methodology used when collecting data on stranded sea turtles.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Software and web-based databases.
Skill in the use of mapping software and interpreting spatial data.
Ability to communicate effectively and positively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people such as biological and conservation professionals, agency personnel, law enforcement personnel, private citizens, and media representatives.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and develop long-term partnerships with sea turtle monitoring cooperators in Florida.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments, to multi-task, and to work independently.
Ability to perform field work under various, sometimes adverse field conditions, including some heavy (up to 50 lbs.) lifting, and to organize and maintain field notes.
Ability to drive a large pick-up truck, pull trailers, operate ATVs and UTVs, and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Ability to work evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Ability to occasionally travel.
Why should I apply?
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)
For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.
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
