OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - 77907707

Requisition No: 857860 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - 77907707

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907707 

Salary:  $18/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/21/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration (EAR)

Fish/Wildlife Technician – OPS Position

$18 per hour

Wildlife Research Laboratory

Gainesville, FL 

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

OPS Fish/Wildlife Technician - OPS 77907707

Gainesville, FL - $18 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 high school 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 the following qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree

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 Wildlife Health group in the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking a highly organized full-time OPS Wildlife Health technician who is able to work unsupervised to assist with the field collection and transport of wildlife specimens and samples for necropsy and diagnostic testing. Duties are variable but all support FWRI wildlife health research and disease surveillance and response in various species including white-tailed deer, carnivores, birds, and herps. Job duties include:

Safe and secure transport of wildlife carcasses, samples, and/or equipment statewide as needed for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and other wildlife disease surveillance. 

Assisting in the surveillance for chronic wasting disease by completing road transects, assisting with the freezer custodian program, sampling deer, assisting with carcass disposal, entering data into Survey123, and submitting samples.

Assisting with the investigation of other wildlife diseases by coordinating with the public, other biologists, and FWH staff to collect carcasses for necropsy. 

Monitoring and reporting all vehicle maintenance needs, submitting fuel receipts and vehicle use logs on time, and maintaining overall cleanliness of vehicle.

Courteously assisting Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters related to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation, generally.  Garnering public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner

Performing other duties as assigned.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The entry-level knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform job duties are:

Knowledge of

Office and laboratory procedures and practices

Biosafety and biosecurity

Defensive driving techniques 

Traffic rules and regulations

Skills in

Defensive driving

The use of personal computers, spreadsheet, and word processing software, particularly Microsoft Office products and Survey123

Proper handling of chemicals; biosafety; adherence to protocols; data collection

Time management and organization

Ability to

to safely drive pick-up trucks and tow trailers often for long hours around the state

Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures

Perform detailed work accurately

Lift up to 50 lbs. 

Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with others

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing in order to provide excellent customer service to stakeholders

Establish and maintain effective working relationships; 

Maintain a valid driver’s license

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 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.