Fish Processing Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 879659 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - F - 77901906

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901906 

Salary:  $21/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/07/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC/Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Marine Fisheries/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

OPS Biological Scientist I

$21 per Hour

Tequesta, FL

Marine Fisheries/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

OPS Biological Scientist I - 77901906

Tequesta, FL   - $21/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 Qualifiations:

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:

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences.  Preference also may be given to candidates demonstrating direct knowledge of fisheries, experience identifying finfish to species, or relevant experience working in marine fisheries monitoring programs.

Requirements:

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

The successful candidate will be required to work a flexible schedule that will require working weekends and holidays, for long durations (10 or more hours), early in the morning and late at night. Direct contact with the public and representatives of the fishing industry daily is required, and the selected candidate will be expected to represent the Commission in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

The selected candidate will be expected to work as part of a team and must also be able to work independently without direct supervision.

The selected candidate will be primarily home-based and will also have access to facilities at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute field station in Tequesta, FL. Frequent day-time travel throughout Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties is required as well as travel to other regions of Florida, as needed. To learn more about the MRIP and SRFS projects, visit:  

http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Conduct directed research and monitoring of recreational fisheries throughout Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties by assisting with new and ongoing marine recreational fishing surveys. Duties will include but are not limited to: conducting dockside interviews with recreational anglers to gather data on catch rates, effort, gear and area fished; sampling marine fish dockside to collect accurate length and weight measurements as well as biological samples for age, growth and reproduction as needed; processing field and laboratory samples following standardized protocols; conducting data entry using personal computers and database software; reviewing data for quality assurance; and participation in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor.

This project work will be paid for through state and federal funds which are subject to annual renewals and appropriations. Continued funding is dependent on the extension of the project or on new grants or funding being awarded.

To learn more about the projects we are hiring for, visit: http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/ and https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/state-reef-fish-survey/.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

Knowledge of: fish morphology and identification of marine fishes to species; statistical survey sampling methods and data collection. Ability to: communicate to the public effectively with tact and diplomacy; to gather, maintain, and analyze data; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective work relationships; operate a computer and software such as spreadsheets and word processing; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work under adverse conditions, maintain a valid driver's license, work long hours early in the morning and late at night, and work weekends and holidays as needed.

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.