OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907404

Requisition No: 887073

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS F&W Biological Scientist II - 77907404

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907404

Salary: $19 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 11/29/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

OPS Position - OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biologist II

$19 per hour

100 8th Ave. SE

St. Petersburg, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

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

OPS Position - OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Biologist II 77907404

St. Petersburg, Florida - $19 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:
A valid driver’s license.

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.

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. Field sampling, meetings, report writing, etc. may require hours in excess of 40 per week.

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 protocol; entering, proofing, and correcting associated data; maintaining and repairing needed field equipment. Complete fish and invertebrate identifications following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope and/or video cameras. Coordinate and conduct longline surveys in nearshore Gulf waters. Operate acoustic equipment in offshore and nearshore Gulf waters to characterize bottom habitat composition and complexity, including high relief, natural hard bottom, and artificial reefs. Process and manage collected data following defined procedures. 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. Perform and participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate. Perform other related work as required. This position requires offshore field work, often including multiple days at sea and the ability to move heavy and cumbersome gear around the decks of 36-100 foot offshore research vessels.

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 bottom habitats along the west Florida shelf; Ability to perform strenuous field duties (e.g., pull and lift heavy nets) 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 14 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/ .

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.