OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907449

Requisition No: 866123 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907449

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907449 

Salary:  $19.50 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Molluscan Fisheries Research

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$19.50 per hour

350 Carroll Street

Eastpoint, FL

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Molluscan Fisheries

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907449

Eastpoint, Florida - $19.50 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:
4 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 can substitute for the required experience.

Proof of Open Water Scuba certification from a nationally accredited organization.

A valid driver's license.

 
Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Experience with scientific field work or marine invertebrates.

AAUS scientific diving certification.
Experience with trailering, vessel operation, and basic maintenance of boats, trucks, and trailers.

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:

This is a full-time position with the Molluscan Fisheries Research Group based at FWC's Apalachicola Field Lab in Eastpoint, Florida. This position will primarily assist with oyster research and long-term monitoring work in Apalachicola Bay.

Field sampling occurs year-round, in potentially adverse and physically challenging conditions. Field days can reach or exceed 12 hours in duration and may require some overnight travel. A few months of the year will be heavily field-orientated, while others will only have a couple field days. The field duties include but are not limited to participating in monthly oyster spat recruitment sampling, monthly oyster collections, annual oyster population surveys, and annual bay scallop population surveys. Field sampling methods and safety protocols must be adhered to at all times. Population surveys and collections require snorkeling and Scuba diving following AAUS standards. Staff are required to obtain AAUS scientific diving certification through the job within 6 months of employment.

Once samples are collected, the focus will shift to laboratory work. Lab duties include but are not limited to processing oyster recruitment samples, image analysis of oyster shell photos, oyster dissections, and microscopic analysis of histological slides and specimens.  All lab work requires close attention to detail and must adhere to safety and processing protocols.

A sizeable portion of the job involves maintenance and preparation of sampling gear, field and lab equipment, vehicles, vessels, and trailers. These maintenance duties range from equipment calibrations, to constructing sampling gear, cleaning used sampling equipment, chemical preparations for samples, and routine vehicle and vessel maintenance.

The ability to effectively manage time is necessary, as this position requires a balance of field sampling, laboratory work, maintenance tasks, and administrative work. Administrative tasks may include data entry, data proofing, submitting travel forms, purchasing, maintaining timesheets, and updating tracking logs. All admin tasks should all be completed in a timely manner. Participation in public outreach events, professional meetings, and ongoing trainings may be required as well. Being able to work in a team, maintain a positive attitude, and communicate effectively is key.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the equipment and methods used in marine science and fisheries research.

Skill with basic laboratory methods and equipment involved in fisheries research; measuring, dissecting, tissue preparation, microscopy, data entry and proofing.

Skill with basic field methods and equipment involved in fisheries research.

Skill with Microsoft programs; Outlook, Excel, etc.

Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, that can involve long hours and some overnight travel.

Ability to lift at least 50lbs repeatedly over extended periods.

Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work well in a team setting or independently to accomplish research goals at the direction of the supervisor or field team lead.

Ability to maintain a positive attitude, especially during consecutive long or taxing days.

Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions.  

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, learn standard operating protocols, and willingly adhere to them.

Ability to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques.

Ability to learn to the skills and methods required to safely collect scientific data while snorkeling or Scuba diving.

Ability to learn the skills and methods required to safely trailer, operate, perform field duties on vessel’s up to 25’ in length. 

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. 

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

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.