OPS Fish/Wildlife Bio Scientist II - 77907431

Requisition No: 857527 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish/Wildlife Bio Scientist II - 77907431

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907431 

Salary: $18-20 per hour depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 08/11/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Marine Fisheries Research

Biological Scientist II – OPS Position 77907431

Melbourne, FL

$18-20 per hour depending on experience

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Marine Fisheries Research

Biological Scientist II - OPS 77907431

$18-20 per hour depending 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.

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.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

none

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

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The announcement is advertised to fill one position that is responsible for executing fisheries-dependent monitoring of experimental fishing trips targeting reef fish in the South Atlantic as part of the Atlantic EFP Project. The individual will conduct dockside interviews and collect biological samples from harvested fish (e.g. lengths, otoliths, fin clips, etc.). Essential duties include coordinating field sampling with participating anglers, following strict protocols for data collection, data entry, all associated data QA/QC, and performing basic data summaries. The position will require travel to dockside locations in the individual’s personal vehicle, reimbursable at the applicable mileage rate and will require the candidate to work long hours, as well as on weekends and holidays sometimes under adverse conditions. The qualified applicant would be home-based in southeast Florida with travel throughout Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties and frequent contact with personnel in St. Petersburg.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of fish morphology, identification of marine fishes to species, offshore recreational fishing methods and behavior, biological sampling techniques, statistical survey sampling methods, data collection, and data entry.

Be able to conduct complex field work in adverse conditions. Preference may be given to individuals having at least one year of direct experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs.

Detail-oriented with good organizational and time management skills.

Experience with the following: communication with the public; working effectively as part of a team under minimum supervision; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; working on the water and in adverse conditions; maintaining field sampling equipment; thinking logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicating verbally and in writing; working unusual or long hours, holidays, over-night, or remotely; and maintaining frequent contact with other staff and supervisors.

Operate a personal computer and various word processing and data software.

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

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.