What are the responsibilities and job description for the OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - FWC position at The State of Florida?

Requisition No: 864475

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - FWC - 77907481

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907481

Salary: $19 - $20 per hour, Depending on experience

Posting Closing Date: 11/19/2025

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FWC/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Fisheries & Wildlife Biologist II - OPS Position

$19 - $20 per hour, DOE

585 Prineville St.

Port Charlotte, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Section/Subsection: Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries-Independent Monitoring

Fisheries & Wildlife Biologist II 77907481 - OPS Position

Port Charlotte, Florida – $19 - $20 per hour, Depdning on experience

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:
5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required; OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; OR

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

A valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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 and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; OR

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience; OR

Inshore or offshore fisheries sampling experience; OR

Experience identifying fish using microscopes and underwater cameras; OR

Experience conducting bottom longline surveys; OR

Experience mapping bottom habitats using side scan or multibeam sonars.

Requirements:
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.

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.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct all aspects of the Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program with emphasis on directing and executing statistically-valid research experiments and surveys in marine waters to evaluate relative stock abundance and condition of fish populations. Coordinate and conduct fisheries-independent sampling efforts following strict protocols; entering, proofing, and correcting associated data; maintaining and repairing field equipment. Complete fish and invertebrate identifications following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope and/or video cameras. Perform routine summaries of data generated from above studies and assist in preparing technical and scientific reports, oral presentations, and/or manuscripts based on fisheries independent monitoring results/analysis. Assist with routine vessel and vehicle maintenance. Perform and participate in public outreach efforts, as assigned. Perform other related work as required. This position may require offshore field work on research vessels 26 to 100 feet in length, often including multiple days at sea working long hours in varied weather conditions, moving cumbersome gear around the decks, and/or handling large fish and sharks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of Florida juvenile and adult fish and invertebrate identification using dichotomous keys; of methods and gear used for collection of fisheries samples; of personal computers; of database software; of electronics and technology; of vehicle and vessel repair techniques; of marine fisheries research. Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions (e.g., inclement weather, rough water, boat engine exhaust, shoreline wading); to safely operate and trailer vessels less than 26’ in length; to participate in multi-day research cruises (up to 12 consecutive days); to collect and summarize fisheries data; to prepare technical reports and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to work both independently and on a team; work hours in excess of 40 per week; maintain a valid driver's license; and complete a boater safety course.

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.

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

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 : $19 - $20

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