OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci IV - 77907406

Requisition No: 869217 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci IV - 77907406

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907406 

Salary:  $24.32/hr 

Posting Closing Date: 02/15/2026 

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV – OPS Position

$24.32 per hour

1875 East Orange Ave.

Tallahassee, FL

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Center for Spatial Analysis

Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV - OPS 77907406

Tallahassee, Florida - $24.32 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:

7 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the bachelor’s degree is required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience as described above; or A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional experience as described above or 

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences.  

Experience using ESRI ArcGIS software.

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:

Review scientific literature to obtain information on the life history, population ecology, habitat requirements, dispersal capabilities, and genetics of fish and wildlife (F&W) species. Use GIS data and modeling techniques to create spatially accurate species distribution maps for F&W species based on habitat requirements. Perform spatially explicit GIS analyses to determine lands important to the long-term conservation of F&W resources and use the results to develop optimum reserve designs. Specific GIS analyses to be performed include creation of spatially accurate species distribution maps, overlays of species distribution maps to identify habitats important to multiple F&W species, and evaluation of the role of existing public lands to the conservation of F&W resources.

Obtain Information (e.g., known occurrences of rare-endangered species of F&W) from existing sources, and convert the information into a GIS-suitable format. Obtain ancillary GIS data such as political boundaries, public land boundaries, soils, land cover/use, hydrology, etc. from outside sources and enter into the FWC GIS. Digitize new data layers as necessary.

Participate in coordination of scientific activities across CSA, IS&M and FWRI working units. Serve as liaison to other sections within the agency to ensure integration into agency programs and to ensure that the goals and objectives of this section are met. Serve as liaison to partner agencies and organizations concerning protection of F&W habitat within conservation programs and participate in the selection of technologies and methodologies for protecting F&W habitats.

Provide technical assistance to FWC biologists, other agencies, and the public in the form of digital data and/or hardcopy maps of GIS data, including species occurrence records, species habitat maps, land cover, important conservation lands, and development/implementation of GIS technology. Represent the FWC at interagency meetings dealing with the development/implementation of GIS technology and with the development and sharing of spatial data and GIS technology.

Prepare reports and scientific manuscripts for publication and presentation. Tasks include writing drafts and final versions of the text, preparing figures and tables as needed, working with layout professionals for final printing and presenting materials at local, regional and national professional meetings and conferences. Participate in public outreach as appropriate.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Principles and practices of wildlife and fisheries biology, statistical analysis, natural resource management, GIS, cartography, and digital remote sensing. 

GIS database and application design, development and implementation. 

Scientific research procedure and techniques, working independently and as part of a group.

Computer operations and the use of related software for GIS and image processing.

Principles and practices used in manipulating ecological and environmental data to create cartographic depictions of species distributions. 

Ability to: Collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to biological sciences. Independently plan & coordinate work assignments. Communicate effectively, orally, graphically, and in writing. Establish and maintain working relationships with FWC/FWRI staff and other agencies and NGOs.

Travel out of area for several days at a time. 

Skill in: Technical writing and public speaking. The use and application of ArcGIS software. Spatial and relational database design and management. Project management. Cartographic design. 

Ability to maintain a valid driver license.

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.