OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907045 1

State of Florida; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

On-the-job trainings

FMLA

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seeks an OPS Biological Scientist I for the Shellfish Research Group in Naples. The role conducts field sampling for stone crab and shellfish projects, and performs laboratory analyses, data handling, and reporting as part of a productive team.

Working hours are typically 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with potential overtime and multi-day field efforts. A BS in biology and 4 years in a related field are preferred.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program are required.
• A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field sampling and deploy field gear; follow safety protocols on boats and in the field.
• Perform laboratory analyses, sample processing, and quality control per SOPs.
• Assist with data entry, proofreading, and preparation of descriptive statistics and graphs.
• Handle purchasing, travel documents, and timesheets per agency procedures.
• Balance fieldwork with lab and office duties to meet research goals; communicate with supervisor.

Skills

Field sampling

Laboratory procedures

Data entry

Microsoft Office (Excel/Word)

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

Vessels operation

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Requisition No: 881977
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907045 1
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907045
Salary: $20-$21/hour, depending on experience
Posting Closing Date: 09/03/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Biological Scientist I – OPS 77907045
$20-21 per hour
401 Shell Island Road
Naples, FL 34113
Fish and Wildlife Reseach Institute
Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907045
Naples, Florida - $20-$21 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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
One (1) year professional experience operating, conducting research or working onboard vessels.

Requirements

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
This position will involve prolonged intensive field work in adverse and physically challenging conditions during all months of the year, including overtime and multi-day efforts. General working hours are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week on a schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. However, workdays may periodically reach or exceed 12 hours in duration or require a weekend workday. If the work week exceeds 40 hours, then overtime is authorized for this position.

Position Overview And Responsibilities

This is a full-time position with a potential for health benefits that is funded by state funds with the Shellfish Research Group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The position will be in the Naples, Florida area. This position will serve as a member of an independent team responsible for carefully following established protocols to conduct field operations for stone crab, and other shellfish projects in the Southwest region. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Participating in monthly field sampling efforts which involve: construction, maintenance, and deployment of various field sampling gear; following safety protocols while on the boat, and in particular; conducting benthic and pelagic sample collection, sorting, dissection, and preservation; maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers.
Adhering to the standard field operating procedures of multiple monitoring and research projects to include but not limited to stone crab and other Shellfish projects.
Processing laboratory samples which involves: following sampling and quality assurance/quality control protocols; processing live animals and time-sensitive samples in a timely manner; conducting chemical and biochemical analyses including safe handling of a variety of chemicals; handling live and preserved animal specimens as well as dead specimens in varied states of decay. Laboratory work will often be repetitive and tedious, and the employee in this position will be expected to participate in those activities.
Assisting with data entry and proofing; assisting with preparation of summary reports that include descriptive statistics and graphs.
Administrative duties which include: adhering to purchasing protocols; completing travel documents; submitting timesheets.
Because sampling will occur year-round, this position will require effective use of time to balance field work with laboratory and office duties as they pertain to research goals, including close communication with the supervisor.
Maintaining a valid drivers license and driving state vehicles, often while trailering research vessels up to 25’ in length, to and from research sites.
Operating FWC vessels in waters of the state and adjacent federal waters.
Interacting with multiple project partners on a frequent basis, and maintaining professional working relationships.

Other Duties As Required By The Immediate Supervisor.

Basic responsibilities (for all OPS employees): Be courteous and respectful while assisting FWC customers and stakeholders and seek public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida citizens in a positive manner and listening to customer needs. Function across division/office lines by providing skills and expertise when needed. Comply with Section 215.422, Florida Statutes and FWC invoice-processing procedures. Be courteous and respectful of FWC coworkers. Be familiar with and ensure all actions are in compliance with FWRI policies and procedures. Obtain all necessary approvals from supervisor and/or COC; do not request permission/approval for actions that are contrary to FWRI policies and procedures. Ensure all work activities are in compliance with laboratory protocols, standards, and procedures established by the supervisor or designee. Ensure that all work products are within quality guidelines required by the supervisor. Report continued empirical difficulties, if any, to supervisor. Be receptive to and complete remedial actions, training, or technical advice when recommended by supervisor or designee. Ensure that ancillary (non-project or lower priority) work activities do not delay completion of primary work product(s); refrain from engaging or requesting to engage in activities that do. Participate in proper care and maintenance of all laboratory equipment and facilities; take full responsibility for care and maintenance of assigned equipment. Participate in the request/ordering of chemicals and laboratory supplies as needed. Participate in approved public outreach efforts, as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in scientific research and knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices associated with marine science fisheries research
Skill with methods of data collection, and laboratory and field preparations in support of field-oriented research
Skill with basic laboratory methods including counting, weighing, measuring, animal dissections, tissue preparation and incubation, microscopy, species identification, data recording, data entry and data proofing
Skill with scientific laboratory and field equipment
Skill using Microsoft office programs including Excel and Word
Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions and maintain flexibility with work hours, including working overtime and weekends
Ability to learn standard operating protocols and willingly follow and adhere to them
Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals at the direction of the supervisor or field team leader
Ability to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques
Ability to lift at least 50 lbs repeatedly over extended periods
Ability to learn skills to safely trailer, operate, and collect scientific samples from vessels up to 25’ in length

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 $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family
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.