Freshwater Mussel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 878619 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 77907630

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907630 

Salary:  34,760 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 07/20/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Florida Bass Conservation Center

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

Hatchery Operations and Stocking Section

OPS Biological Scientist I

$34,760.00 annually, plus benefits

3583 County Road 788

Webster, FL

Florida Bass Conservation Center

OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907630

Webster, Florida - $34,760 Annually

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: 

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science, preferably in the fisheries/aquaculture sciences.

Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of employment.
• Possess or obtain a valid Florida Boaters Safety Card within 30 days of employment.
• Successfully complete a FWC Trailer Safety Training course.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management seeks self-motivated applicants who think innovatively and are passionate about aquaculture and aquatic biology for the benefit of conservation. As a Biological Scientist I at the Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC), the successful candidate will work closely with a dedicated team to carry out fish culture practices to meet division and agency goals. This position will assist with planning and implementation of intensive and extensive fish culture activities including culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish. In addition to routine hatchery work, the incumbent will assist with the identification of host fish species for Florida's freshwater mussels, a project funded through a State Wildlife Grant. This project utilizes a genetics-based approach to identify juvenile freshwater mussels naturally infested on wild-caught fishes, providing ecologically relevant information for conservation and management efforts. If you are looking for a challenge and are highly passionate and motivated about conservation, we encourage you to apply.

• Primary responsibilities may include all aspects of culture of fry, fingerling, and sub-adult warmwater fish. Assists with broodfish collection, spawning, fish culture, pond fertilization and zooplankton management programs.  Additional duties include water quality management, algal and emergent weed control measures, and harvest, transport, and stocking of cultured species. 

• Assist with the collection of wild-caught fish that will be monitored during the natural infestation mussel project. Responsible for the maintenance of the fish and their aquatic habitat systems during the holding periods for juvenile mussels.

• Collect juvenile mussels that drop off fish and perform DNA extraction. Responsible for taking meticulous notes and juvenile mussel photographs.

• Assist with sampling and diagnostic evaluations of stocks for disease/parasite detection and control and crop evaluations to achieve production goals.
• The incumbent will assist with maintenance and sanitation of all fish culture apparatuses and equipment, holding and haul tanks, nets, and other culture equipment. Assist with all basic facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance duties. Will be required to operate vehicles, utility vehicles, trailers, and basic hand tools. Must be able to learn to trailer sometimes heavy loads over long distances to occasionally remote areas.  

• Perform fish culture activities adhering to standard and prescribed prophylactic and sanitation techniques to optimize health and quality of all species of culture fishes.

• Gather and maintain data to assist supervisor with statistical analysis and report preparation. Responsible for completing/submitting administrative reports and required training within the specified time frame.

• Assist with public outreach events as needed.

• Regular office hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. EST, Monday through Friday.  Flexible scheduling can be available but telework is not approved.

• This position requires occasional overnight travel and work time outside of regular scheduled hours depending on hatchery needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic aquaculture principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of basic scientific terminology and principles.
• Knowledge of fish biology, fish physiology, fish pathology, fish parasites and associated symptoms of disease.
• Ability to identify freshwater fish.
• Knowledge of field methods to sample freshwater fish.
• Knowledge of fish genetics and general nutritional and environmental requirements of freshwater fish.
• Knowledge of freshwater mussel biology and ecology.
• Ability to operate laboratory instruments including microscopes, micropipettes, centrifuges, and thermal cyclers.
• Knowledge of water quality variables relating to a flow-through aquaculture system and culture pond management.
• Knowledge of proper fish culture techniques in spawning, egg handling, fry rearing, fish stocking and brood stock management.
• Knowledge of the methods, equipment and supplies used in the maintenance of a warm water fish hatchery.
• Skilled in the use of computers and computer software, i.e. MS Office Software.
• Ability to generate, analyze and communicate biological data in a relevant manner.
• Ability to calculate dosages and administer chemicals used to anesthetize and treat fish diseases.
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism and interact with employees, colleagues, and public stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to effectively interact with and communicate in writing and orally with the scientific community and with public stakeholders and assist with presentations for public outreach events.
• Ability to participate in, design and conduct biological studies/surveys
• Ability to work in teams and independently to complete tasks in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel out of town with overnight stays
• Ability to operate vehicles, ATV's, and trailer loads under 10,000 lbs. safely.
• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. overhead safely.

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.