Fish Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 876350 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fisheries & Wildlife Bio Sci II - 77907202

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907202 

Salary:  $20.00/ hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/15/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) - Freshwater Fisheries Research

OPS F&W Biological Scientist II

Position Number: 77907202

$20 per Hour

5450 U.S. Highway 17

De Leon Springs, FL 32130

 FWRI Freshwater Fisheries Research

Freshwater Fisheries Biologist II - OPS 77907202

De Leon Springs, Florida - $20 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:

5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program; OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year 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 can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

Experience sampling fish, habitat and water quality in freshwater ecosystems

Experience with Microsoft Office, R and R Studio, and ArcGIS

Experience extracting, processing and aging otoliths 

Requirements:

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

Office hours are usually from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework. May require work late into the night or some weekend days.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is an entry level position. The successful candidate will be provided an opportunity to learn and develop skills in sampling and analysis of data in freshwater systems in the state of Florida. Besides working with the DeLeon Springs Freshwater Fisheries Lab, you will get a chance to work with other personnel throughout the state of Florida in a variety of settings.

We expect the candidate to participate in all aspects pertaining to freshwater fish population and community monitoring in the Middle St. Johns River Basin and other surrounding water bodies.  Duties include but are not limited to sportfish monitoring, fish community monitoring, and seasonal creel surveys.  Specific responsibilities associated with these duties include but are not limited to data collection for fish length frequency, age and growth, and/or other population parameters deemed necessary (e.g., fish condition, fishing mortality), data analysis, model development, description of findings in annual reports and oral presentations, publication of significant findings, and recommendations of management strategies.

Assist project personnel in developing, planning and executing field activities of lacustrine and riverine research studies and resource monitoring throughout the State of Florida.  Studies may include specific hypothesis testing of questions associated with fish populations, fish communities, or fish biology relating to stream ecology, resource assessment, invasion ecology and/or instream flows and levels.  Responsibilities include measurement of physical and chemical water parameters, freshwater fish collections, and aquatic habitat assessment and measurement.  Assist with project data analysis, model development, description of findings in annual reports and oral presentations, publication of significant findings, and recommendations of management strategies.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:  The biological sciences, including terminology, principles and techniques used in research and monitoring of freshwater fishes.  Data collection and analytical procedures for field and laboratory work and supervisory practices, principles and procedures.

 Skill in:  The use of scientific laboratory and field equipment, and writing (both technical and popular articles and publications).

 Ability to:  Conduct scientific research using scientific methods and techniques; perform quantitative analysis of scientific data; prepare written reports; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel and budget administration; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; effectively supervise others, establish and maintain effective working relationships; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 22'; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency, work outdoors in adverse conditions and maintain a valid driver's license.

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. .

Biweekly Health Premiums: For Single Coverage $7.50 or $25.00 --- For Family Coverage $32.15 or $90.00

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.