OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - 77907694

Requisition No: 861412 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - 77907694

 Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 77907694 

Salary:  $19 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/19/2025 

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Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician (77907694)

$19 per hour

1105 SW Williston Rd

Gainesville, FL 32601

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician (77907694)

Gainesville, 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 highschool diploma and two years of post high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required.

Vocational training or an Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree and professional field experience surveying bird species in coastal ecosystems. Experience towing and operating outboard boats.

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 State of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) seeks 1 field technician to assist a crew lead with ongoing research on the imperiled Reddish Egret in beautiful coastal Florida. The project will involve systematic counts of breeding wading birds and targeted surveys for Reddish Egrets at islands along the lower Keys and east Atlantic coast of Florida. Targeted surveys will consist of assessing islands from boats, conducting flight-line counts, and counting nests by walking through active colonies. Data will be used to examine population trends and restore nesting and foraging habitat to benefit wading birds. The positions will run from late Jan-mid Apr with a possible extension through the end of Apr.

The successful candidate must be skilled at operating outboard motorboats in coastal environments. In addition to counts, candidates will collect, enter, and maintain data, and may help prepare reports, tables, and figures. They will also communicate with project partners to access survey sites each day. Some overnight and weekend travel is required. Housing and a work vehicle will be provided, and work will be based out of Big Pine Key, and Titusville FL.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(1) Ability to identify wading birds and other waterbirds by sight, (2) Extensive experience operating outboard motorboats in marine environments, and (3) Experience using canoes and kayaks in tidal, coastal habitat, (4) Experience using trailers and 4-wheel drive vehicles, (5) Ability to establish and maintain working relationships, including coordinating with partners to access survey areas, (6) Experience using Microsoft Excel and Access, (7) Ability to work independently in difficult field conditions, and (8) ability to use GPS equipment

Where to apply

Apply through People First https://jobs.myflorida.com/ by searching the position title OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician (77907694). Please include a CV and a cover letter. Applications will be accepted by Oct 12, 2025. Please contact Caroline Poli (Caroline.Poli@myfwc.com) with any questions.

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.