OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci IV - 77909126

Requisition No: 885946 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci IV - 77909126

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909126 

Salary:  $26.35 an hour 1920 hours a fiscal year 

Posting Closing Date: 11/08/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Title: OPS Biological Scientist IV

Salary: $26.35/hour for 1920 hours a fiscal year

Position number: 77909126                                                                          

Broad Band Code: 19-1023-04

Working hours: 40hrs/week. Mon-Fri 8-5 (no more than 25% of travel overnight)

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: State of Florida 

Location: 1875 East Orange Avenue Tallahassee, FL 32311 --other office locations to be considered

Supervisor: Mariah McInnis; for inquiries Mariah.Mcinnis@MYFWC.COM

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history record check.    

Agency information

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.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Invasive Plant Management Section (IPM) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.  

Minimum qualifications, A high school diploma and 7 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 7 years of required experience

Preferred Qualifications: Prefer a Bachelor’s degree with a life or physical science..

Description of duties:  

This position will be based in Tallahassee FL with a statewide operational focus, to enhance invasive plant management efforts by acting as a research liaison. The Invasive Plant Management Research program funds an average of $1.3 million of projects each year, but effectively translating a significant portion of our findings into large-scale management remains a logistical challenge. This role would bridge the gap between researchers and field biologists, ensuring the practical application of research through field trials and improved communication. This position would implement field trials of innovative management techniques and will expand the use of biological control as a supplemental management strategy. This role would support our section's goals by advancing management strategies that are essential to preserving native habitats and resources across the state.

This position will also assist with the researching, planning, development, and maintenance of other projects as needed such as surveying and mapping EDRR (early detection rapid response) species that appear throughout the state.

Persons applying for this position should be comfortable working independently in the field, have experience trailering and operating boats and ATVs and have experience in plant identification and the control of invasive species. Experience with public speaking or presenting information to the public and/or professional peer groups is preferred. Experience conducting or assisting with invasive plant research is highly preferred. The employee will be required to interact professionally with researchers, the public, and other partners to provide accurate information concerning invasive plant species, infested area conditions, and will attend regional and divisional meetings and training programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well with team members and members of the public. 

Other required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines;
• knowledge of invasive plant management principles and practices;
• understanding of basic scientific research principles and practices;
• ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to plant management;
• familiarity with nonnative species issues;
• demonstrated technical writing ability;
• public speaking experience;
• experience working with the public and/or stakeholder representatives;
• on occasion, the ability to travel for several days at a time throughout Florida.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license

Desired qualifications include:

• Knowledge of biological control and experience with rearing insects
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills
• Experience with herbicide applications
• Experience conducting scientific experiments in a field setting
• Experience operating drones
• Experience driving outboard boats and airboats
• Experience trailering boats and other equipment
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Florida

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers limited benefits.

 Benefits Applicable to OPS employees:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory

• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory

• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office to determine eligibility.)    

• Deferred Compensation - voluntary

• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of paid leave

• Paid holidays

• Participation in the Florida Retirement System

• Reinstatement rights or retention rights

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.