OPS Biological Scientist I

Requisition No: 862886 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907620 

Salary:  $17.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 11/21/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Freshwater Fisheries Research Section

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$17.00 per hour

7386 NW 71st Street

Gainesville, FL

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Freshwater Fisheries Research

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907620

Gainesville, Florida - $17.00 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. 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.  

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: A master’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university.

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.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

 The Freshwater Invertebrate Conservation Group is seeking a motivated individual to assist program coordinators with a State Wildlife Grant funded project to evaluate the life history, habitat preferences, environmental tolerances, and population structure of the Black Creek crayfish (Procambarus pictus). Responsibilities include: assisting Research Coordinator and project biologists with implementation of field work to assess populations of Black Creek crayfish; sample crayfish communities using qualitative and quantitative methods; species level taxonomic identifications of crayfish; measurement of variables related to stream morphology, habitat structure, and water quality according to Standard Operating Procedures; data entry, management, compilation, and curation of databases associated with crayfish collection, specimen observation, and environmental parameters; maintenance of project vehicles, sampling gear, and laboratory equipment; other duties as assigned by supervisor.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of field methods used to sample crayfish and other invertebrates.

Knowledge of current issues and literature in crayfish ecology.

Knowledge of current issues and literature in stream ecology, aquatic ecology, invertebrate zoology, invasive species ecology, and related fields.

Ability to identify crayfish to species level.

Ability to operate agency vehicles on unpaved roads, including conditions requiring four-wheel drive.

Ability to conduct aquatic field work outdoors for long hours in inclement conditions.

Ability to work independently and in a research team environment.

Ability to write legibly and record data accurately.

Ability to operate electronic instruments, including YSI multiparameter meters, flow meters, GPS units, and data loggers.

Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines.

Ability to operate a computer with a Windows operating system.

Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Ability to enter recorded data properly into Excel spreadsheets and manage databases.

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.