Job Description

Requisition No: 871234

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I-FWC - 77901738

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901738

Salary: $21/hour up to 40 hours per week, up to $43,680 Annually

Posting Closing Date: 03/31/2026

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FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management

OPS Biological Scientist I - OPS – Position 77901738

$21/hour up to 40 hours per week, up to $43,680 Annually

1875 Orange Avenue East

Tallahassee, FL 32311

FWC – Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Fisheries Services Section

OPS Biological Scientist I – Position 77901738

Tallahassee, Florida - $21 per hour/Up to $43,680 Annually

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. Visit our website for more information: MyFWC.com.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program or directly related to the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the biological, marine or environmental sciences may substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• A bachelor’s degree in one of biological, marine or environmental sciences and one year of professional experience.
• ArcGIS experience.

Requirements:

• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
• Working hours Up to 40 hours per week from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET), with schedule variations based on season and workload.
• Some overtime and travel across the state is required to include work in the field and on commercial fishing vessels, at times in extreme heat, cold humidity, heavy seas, etc.).
• Computer proficiency to include skills in Microsoft computer software, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams.
• Responses to qualifying questions should be able to be verified by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

and Responsibilities:

This position works within the Fisheries Services Section processing Special Activity License applications, assisting with statewide trap retrieval operations, and maintaining accurate databases.

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

Examples of Responsibilities:

Special Activity Licenses

• Review and process Special Activity License applications for scientific research, education, exhibition activities, aquaculture broodstock, and activities that involve the use of non-conforming gear.
• Send requests for additional information, work with applicants to resolve problems, draft licenses, and recommend issuance or denial of licenses as appropriate.
• Maintain a Special Activity License database.
• Monitor compliance with terms and conditions of issued licenses pursuant to Rule 68B-8, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

Trap Retrieval Program

• Assist in the implementation of the Commission’s spiny lobster, stone crab and blue crab trap retrieval programs and trap debris removal program pursuant to s. 379.2424, Florida Statutes (F.S.), s. 379.368, F.S., and Rule 68B-55, F.A.C.
• Serve as a Commission observer onboard contracted commercial fishing vessels during trap retrieval operations statewide.
• Accurately record and maintain trap retrieval data.
• Accurately enter trap retrieval data in an online database.
• Prepare and send certified mail regarding the assessment of trap retrieval fees.

Examples of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical, natural, and marine sciences.

• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to collect and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to organize data in logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials.
• Ability to professionally communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in clear, concise language.
• Ability to use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Skills in database input and management.
• Ability to organize and maintain filing systems.
• Ability to use personal computers effectively and efficiently.
• Knowledge of Microsoft computer software, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Is required.
• Ability to use ArcGIS.
• Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail while working proactively and independently.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning skills.

• Ability to utilize problem solving techniques.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete work assignments.
• Ability to travel frequently and for extended periods of time, including holidays and weekends as required.
• Ability to work extended hours in the field, including on commercial fishing vessels, in harsh conditions (extreme heat, cold, humidity, heavy seas, etc.).
• Work at FWC is cross-functional, meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed.
• Other related duties as requested.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida OPS employees 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.

OPS employees also enjoy the ability to participate in the FICA Alternative Retirement Savings Plan.

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

Available to OPS employees working 32 hours or more per week.

Low-Cost Life Insurance

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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.

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.