Biology Coding Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 878025 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - F - 77900816

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900816 

Salary:  $19 - 22 hourly, depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 07/03/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Section: Marine Fisheries Research

Subsection: Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Title: OPS Biological Scientist I

Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Pay Range: $19.00-$22.00

Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

OPS Biological Scientist I - 77900816

St. Petersburg, FL  -  $19-$22/hour, depending on experience

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:

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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Applicants with skill in the use of personal computers and the MS Office Suite are highly desired. Duties require strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Applicants with basic coding skills in R, SAS, or SQL are encouraged to apply and may be given preference. Applicants with knowledge or experience in survey design or fisheries science are encouraged to apply and may be given preference.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based), in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Providing support for the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS), which is a large-scale survey of catch and effort to monitor recreational saltwater fisheries for reef fishes in Florida. A Biological Scientist 1 should have an interest in supporting the effort of the Fisheries Dependent Monitoring subsection and to contribute to state and regional stock assessments and fisheries management.

Duties:

Open, sort, and scan surveys received in the mail.

Perform quality control tasks for the mail survey responses including processing the responses through multiple stages of software processing and identifying and fixing any errors such as improper classification of responses or missing/conflicting data.

Follow standard, written procedure to perform tasks related to: receiving and preparing SRFS license dataset, running pre-written SAS code to select recipients of the survey monthly, creating and proofing survey materials (cover letters, postcard, and questionnaire), sending files to the printing contractor on or before the deadline, utilizing R to modify the survey list for uploading into an online survey software, creating online surveys in an online survey software each month and distributing that survey at the appropriate time, opting out the respondents who completed our online survey, and utilizing pre-written code in R summarizing survey comment data to identify common conservation issues across different regions of Florida.

Help with writing, editing, and maintaining SRFS documentation and standard operating procedures.

Carefully tracking the mail received, the USPS reported mail counts, and the USPS funds available. Requesting monetary transfers when necessary.

Assist with development, testing, and implementation of new survey methods to improve response rates, address potential bias, and reduce potential sources of error.

Assist direct supervisor with other tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in using the Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to work independently.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to organize.

Ability to work in a confidential environment. 

High attention to detail.

Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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/

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.