OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907729

Requisition No: 881727

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907729

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907729

Salary: $23.25 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 09/04/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration

OPS Biological Scientist II

$23.25 per hour

Long Round Bay Rd.

Bonifay, Florida 32425

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute - Fish & Wildlife Health

OPS Biological Scientist II - OPS 77907729

Bonifay, FL - $23.25 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.

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) invites applications for an OPS Biological Scientist II in the Fish and Wildlife Health subsection starting as soon as possible with an end date of September 30, 2027. There is a possibility of an extension pending available funding and need.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: A valid FL driver’s license and BS degree or equivalent.

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:

The successful applicant will function as a member of two-person chronic wasting disease (CWD) team in the Florida Panhandle conducting CWD surveillance and response operations in the Enhanced Surveillance Zone (ESZ, Washington, Holmes, and Jackson counties) and other areas of the Northwest Region. Responsibilities include serving as a point of contact for the Fish and Wildlife Health subsection in the NW Region; providing logistical support for the base of operations; responding to reports of sick/dead deer in the NW region; conducting road transects for road-killed deer in the ESZ; collecting and transporting carcasses between field, freezer locations, and base of operations; providing for carcass disposal (incinerator and/or landfill); and collecting CWD samples at check stations some weekends during the hunting season (October through February). The successful applicant will also coordinate with hunt clubs, landowners, taxidermists, and processors to collect CWD samples; enter samples collected and processed in into Survey123; and provide for sample shipping according to strict laboratory protocols and following applicable shipping rules and regulations. Other responsibilities include participating in outreach and helping to monitor for and respond to New World screwworm and other wildlife diseases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge ofwildlife ecology, animal health/disease concepts; methods of relevant field and laboratory data collection; and general procedures, techniques and equipment used in biological laboratory testing and analysis. Skill in use of personal computers, spreadsheet, and word processing software, particularly Microsoft Office products; basic laboratory skills including organization of laboratory materials and diagnostic specimens; proper handling of chemicals; biosafety; adherence to protocols; data collection; shipping of specimens per state/federal regulations; and excellent time management. Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment (forklift, atv/utv, trailers, tractor). Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; perform detailed work accurately and independently; utilize problem solving techniques; lift up to 75 lbs.; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with others; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain a valid driver’s license; and work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.

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

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.