OPS Biological Scientist III - 77902412

Requisition No: 860913 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist III - 77902412

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902412 

Salary:  $23.44 an hour 1920 hours a fiscal year 

Posting Closing Date: 10/09/2025 

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Position Number: 77902412

Location: Lake City

Salary: $23.44/hour + benefits (not to exceed 1,920 hours per fiscal year)

Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Supervisor: Maria Monarchino

Broadband: 19-1023-03

Region: North Central

Class Title: OPS Biological Scientist III

County: Columbia

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 8-5, with occasional non-standard hours

Residency requirement: Florida

 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.

Description of duties:

The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is seeking an organized and motivated individual to take on this rewarding opportunity to be actively involved in bat conservation in Florida as the Bat Monitoring SpecialistThe individual selected for this position will serve as a subject matter expert on bats in Florida and play a critical role in the continuation and expansion of the state’s long-term bat monitoring program. This individual will work closely with FWC staff, conservation partners, and volunteers to support and enhance monitoring efforts across Florida. This person will be able to make meaningful contributions to bat conservation at the state level and through broader regional and national initiatives such as the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat). This is a 2-year grant-funded position.

Responsibilities and duties will include:

• Assist the project coordinator with statewide grant-related activities, including partner and volunteer coordination, selecting new acoustic monitoring sites, and handling other daily operational tasks
• Help manage a large, multi-year acoustic dataset, requiring strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Process acoustic data using Kaleidoscope Pro, manually vet results, and upload data to NABat.
• Contribute to scientific and technical writing, including drafting and editing grant proposals, grant reports, and permit reports.
• Use programs R and ArcGIS Pro to compile, analyze, and refine large amounts of bat acoustic data.
• Deploy Wildlife Acoustics SM4BAT-FS acoustic detectors at remote field locations as needed.
• Conduct mist-netting, culvert, cave, bridge, and emergence surveys in collaboration with FWC colleagues when necessary.
• Support bat outreach and education efforts, including attending outreach events, developing bat education materials, and contributing to other initiatives as identified.
• Collaborate effectively as a member of both internal and external teams.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrate an understanding of ecology and conservation needs for bat populations. Knowledge of bat species occurring in the southeastern U.S. is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience leading acoustic monitoring projects for bats is preferred.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and experience carrying-out protocols for processing, automated classifier analysis, and manual vetting of acoustic monitoring data. Proficiency in manual vetting calls from bat species present in the southeastern U.S. is preferred.
• Experience working with and submitting data to NABat is preferred.
• Strongly prefer well-developed data analysis skills, including proficiency in program R or similar programs.
• Excellent skills using ArcGIS for spatial analyses.
• Strong scientific, technical writing, and editing skills.
• Be enthusiastic and self-motivated to complete quality work on time.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and through public speaking.
• Ability to conduct moderately strenuous wildlife management and monitoring activities outdoors, safely operate vehicles, and work at night or travel at night to complete tasks when necessary.
• At least 1 year of bat handling experience and a rabies vaccination is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. A high school diploma and 6 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the 6 years of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science degree in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience. A Master of Science degree in a relevant field is preferred. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service. 

A resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience must be attached to the electronic State of Florida employment application. Applications without a resume or cover letter will not be considered.  Answers to qualifying questions mustbe validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

OPS are not eligible for leave or paid holidays.  OPS employees have the potential for Health Insurance, lLife Insurance, OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan and Deffered Compensation plans.

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.