OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77901288

Requisition No: 867534 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 77901288

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901288 

Salary:  $21.63 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/13/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Florida Bass Conservation Center

Biological Scientist III- OPS Position

$21.63 per hour

3583 County Road 788

Webster, FL 33597

                                     Florida Bass Conservation Center

                                   Biological Scientist III - OPS 77901288

                                     Webster, Florida - $21.63 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:

6 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 and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preference also may be given to candidates demonstrating direct knowledge of agriculture, horticulture, and/or aquaculture.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
 

Working hours: M-F, 7AM – 4 PM (Hours may vary based on workload and may be required to work weekends and non-traditional hours; some schedule flexibility may be available.  Remote work is not available for this position.)

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC) is seeking qualified applicants for an OPS Fish and Wildlife Biologist III position. The FBCC is the major freshwater gamefish production hatchery in the state of Florida. Additionally, FBCC is bringing a new aquatic vegetation production facility online.  The incumbent will be the lead worker for this new facility and eelgrass (tapegrass) production project. The incumbent will work with Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement subsection to plan and conduct horticulture operations supplying freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation to aquatic habitat management projects.  The incumbent will also assist with intensive fish culture operations and should be motivated, detailed oriented, and have an ability to complete tasks largely without supervision. Examples of routine tasks include planting and harvesting eelgrass, tank cleaning and setup, fish feeding, basic data collection and entry, performing water quality tests, oversight of mechanical operations, and assistance with visiting tour groups, outreach, and purchases as needed. The incumbent will be expected to assist in design and implementation of specific scientific studies conducted at the hatchery and may be asked to assist in extensive pond management, pond feeding, and harvest.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic scientific terminology and principles

Knowledge of water chemistry

Skill in the use of MS Office Software

Ability to generate, analyze and communicate biological data

Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism

Ability to effectively communicate written and orally with the scientific community and with public stakeholders

Ability to work in teams and independently to complete tasks in a timely and organized manner

Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Ability to work to stand for long periods of time and work in outdoor conditions

Ability to drive trucks and trailers

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.