OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907457

Requisition No: 864337 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907457

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907457 

Salary:  $20 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 11/16/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC-FWRI Marine Mammal Section

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

$20 per hour

3700 54th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, FL

 Marine Mammal Section

Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907457

St. Petersburg, Florida - $20 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:

Experience assisting with safe and efficient manatee captures and live marine mammal transports.

Experience assisting with conducting high quality marine mammal necropsies and collect the necessary samples and data to determine cause of strand/death.

Experience operating and trailering vessels up to 24’ in length.

Experience with routine maintenance of vehicles, vessels 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, Tuesday through Saturday. Not eligible for Telework. Works holidays in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned. Responds to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned, occasionally resulting in overtime.

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:

Leads or assists in coordinating timely responses to marine mammal carcass reports for the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (MMPL) - stranding coverage region: coastal counties Escambia to Manatee. Responses include but are not limited to carcass verifications, tows, recoveries, and transports to designated workup and/or disposal sites including the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL. Assists in conducting consistent, high-quality necropsies on marine mammals to determine cause of death and collects samples and data per protocols in a manner consistent with safe practices (handling sharp instruments, appropriate PPE and appropriate biohazardous waste practices). Records data and related information in necropsy reports and on data sheets per established protocols. Responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Assists with safe and efficient manatee rescue operations in the MMPL region including open water captures using a manatee capture boat. Leads or assists with live manatee transports to and from manatee critical care and secondary holding facilities. Leads or assists with other live or dead marine mammal stranding responses, rescues, and transports. Assists other FWC manatee laboratories with rescue and transport support as needed. Assists with other marine mammal section priority research projects including but not limited to photo ID, genetics sampling, temperature probes, and aerial surveys.

Assists with managing cetacean stranding data for MMPL responses. Assists with managing NOAA stranding database and completes routine uploads to NOAA-NMFS. Completes and updates Level A cetacean information. Assists with filling cetacean data requests. Assists with managing samples collected from stranded cetaceans. Assists with writing manatee rescue and mortality reports. Responsible for assisting with NRDA award administration including assisting with budget tracking, monthly and annual progress reports. Leads and assists with repairs and maintenance of MMPL laboratory and field equipment including repairs and general maintenance of vehicles, boats, and trailers. Participates in public outreach events as appropriate.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; live and dead marine mammal stranding response techniques. 

Skills: use of database, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as portable ultrasound, PIT tags, and biopsy equipment.

Abilities to: prepare written necropsy and rescue reports; utilize problem-solving techniques; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, polices and procedure; edit manatee necropsy reports; lead or assist with marine mammal necropsies; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, internal and external partners, and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 24', including manatee capture boat; effectively and safely

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.