OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907524

Requisition No: 883268 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907524

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907524 

Salary:  $18-$19 per hour. Depending on Experience 

Posting Closing Date: 10/05/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Marine Fisheries Research – Fisheries Independent Monitoring

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist II – OPS Position

$18 -$19 per hour DOE

11350 SW 153rd Court

Cedar Key, FL

 Marine Fisheries Research/FIM

Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II - OPS 77907524

Cedar Key, Florida - $18-$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:
5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program 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 that possess a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in marine fisheries or closely related field or have demonstrated mastery of the scientific method through field operations management, co-authorships in the peer-reviewed literature and presentations at scientific conferences. Preference may also be given to applicants with underwater video reading experience.

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

Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Florida.

Within four months of employment, successful completion of boating safety course (from a recognized training agency), FWC boater operation course, FWC trailer towing course, and First Aid/CPR Training. 

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct all aspects of the Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program with emphasis on conducting statistically valid research experiments and surveys in marine waters to evaluate relative stock abundance and condition of fish populations. 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 using a microscope and/or video cameras.  Set-up and deploy offshore cameras.  Operate side scan sonar equipment 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 data summaries and assist in preparing technical and scientific reports for submission to team leaders, coordinators, and supervisor, 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 extensive field work with numerous days on a research vessel every month.  Must have the ability to handle large fish and move heavy and cumbersome gear around the decks of 20–100-foot research vessels.

The selected applicant will be required to work a flexible schedule that may require overnight travel to other parts of the state to participate in fisheries sampling. Direct contact with the public is imminent and the selected applicant will be expected to always represent the Commission in a courteous and professional manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of estuarine and reef fish life history; of methods and gear used for collection of marine fisheries samples; of personal computers; of database software; of electronics and technology; of bottom habitats along the west Florida shelf; Skill to safely operate and trailer vessels up to 26’ in length; Ability to communicate with the public effectively, with tact, and diplomacy; establish and maintain effective work relationships; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; to use dichotomous keys for juvenile and adult fish identification; to spend hours reviewing video data to identify, count, and measure reef fish species; to perform strenuous and physical field activities, for long hours in adverse conditions (e.g. inclement weather, rough water, boat engine exhaust, biting insects, shoreline wading); to handle and process large fish; to participate in seasonal multi-day offshore research cruises; to collect and process side scan data; participate in offshore video cameras trips; 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.

Why should I apply?

This is an opportunity to become part of a dynamic team focused on the conservation of Florida’s natural resources

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.

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: For Single Coverage $7.50 or $25.00 -- For Family Coverage $32.15 or $90.00

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.

Location: CEDAR KEY, FL, US, 32625

Nearest Major Market: Gainesville

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.