Job Description

Requisition No: 866613

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77907748

Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 77907748

Salary: $17.25 per Hour

Posting Closing Date: 02/01/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fish & Wildlife Technician – OPS Position

$17.25 per hour

Various locations in central Florida (between Gainesville, Palatka, Deland, and Ocala)

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fish and Wildlife Technician - OPS 77907748

Northcentral Florida- $17.25 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:
A high school diploma and two years of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required. Vocational training or an Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife or other biological fields.

Experience driving 4-wheel vehicles and atvs on unmaintained roads.

Experience building and maintaining barbed wire hair corrals for bears or other large carnivores.

Experience entering data by cell phone into a cloud-based application such as Survey123.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Must have own transportation for personal time.

and Responsibilities:

Three technicians will be hired from mid-April to mid-August 2026 to assist with estimating abundance and density of black bears in northcentral Florida. No bears will be captured or handled. Duties include installing barbed-wire hair corrals and collecting bear hair samples following a strict sampling protocol, collecting bait and other supplies, entering and correcting data, and other duties as assigned. Technicians will build corrals in a 2-person team but check them alone. A typical work week is 10 hours/day over 4 days with 3 days off, but technicians may be required to work extra days as needed to stay on schedule. The job will be strenuous, requiring technicians to hike off-trail in harsh weather conditions (e.g., high temperatures and humidity) in areas with biting insects and venomous snakes. Field housing will be provided but food expenses will not be covered. Technicians will be driving agency vehicles during work hours but will need their own transportation for personal time.

In addition to completing the online application in People First, applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (as a single combined file or separate attachments). Please name the file(s) starting with your last name. References should include their name, title, phone number, and email address.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Possess strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.

Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability and desire to work in remote areas and under adverse field conditions, such as harsh weather conditions (hot temperatures and humidity), biting insects, and venomous snakes.

Willingness to live in shared housing, possibly with mixed-genders, provided at no cost.

Ability to drive a 4WD truck on unimproved, sandy or wet roads.

Ability to drive an ATV.

Ability to load an ATV onto a utility trailer or into a truck bed using a ramp

Skills navigating off-trail by handheld GPS/phone apps (e.g. FieldMaps, On-X, etc.).

Ability to accurately check data for errors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including a remote supervisor.

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.