Ops Biological Scientist

Requisition No:868015

Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I –

Position Number:

Salary: $18–$20 per hour, depending on experience

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Biological Scientist I – OPS Position

Crystal River, FL

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. Natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all, and 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.

Four (4) 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 can substitute for the required experience.

• One (1) year professional experience operating, conducting research or working onboard vessels.

• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
• This position involves prolonged intensive field work in adverse conditions during all months of the year, including overtime and multi‑day efforts. General working hours are 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week on a schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday‑Friday, with possible overtime, weekend work and workdays exceeding 12 hr.

• Participate in monthly field sampling for shellfish projects (blue crab, stone crab, oyster, etc.) including construction, maintenance, and deployment of sampling gear.
• Follow safety protocols while on the boat and during SCUBA diving operations.
• Conduct benthic and pelagic sample collection, sorting, dissection, and preservation.
• Maintain and operate vehicles, vessels, and trailers.
• Adhere to standard field operating procedures for multiple monitoring and research projects.
• Process laboratory samples following QA/QC protocols, including live animal processing, chemical analyses, and handling of preserved specimens.
• Assist with data entry, proofing, and preparation of summary reports with descriptive statistics and graphs.
• Complete administrative duties such as purchasing protocols, travel documents, and timesheets.
• Balance field work with laboratory and office duties, communicating closely with the supervisor.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and drive research vessels, including trailering vessels up to 25 ft in length to and from sites.
• Operate FWC vessels in state and adjacent federal waters.
• Achieve SCUBA diving certification and AAUS scientific diving certification within 6 months of employment.
• Interact with multiple project partners on a frequent basis and maintain professional working relationships.

• Be courteous and respectful while assisting FWC customers and stakeholders, seeking public support for agency objectives.
• Comply with Florida statutes and FWC procedures, ensuring all work activities align with lab protocols and quality guidelines.
• Obtain necessary approvals from supervisor or COC; do not act contrary to FWC policies.
• Maintain care and maintenance of laboratory equipment and requested supplies.
• Participate in approved public outreach efforts as appropriate.

• Knowledge of scientific research principles and laboratory procedures in marine science fisheries research.
• Skill in data collection, laboratory and field preparation for research.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory methods: counting, weighing, animal dissections, tissue preparation, microscopy, species identification, data recording, entry, and proofing.
• Skill using scientific laboratory and field equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Excel and Word.
• Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions, work overtime and weekends.
• Ability to learn and follow standard operating protocols.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals.
• Prob…