OPS Biological Scientist I- FWC - 77903019

State of Florida; Melbourne Beach (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking an OPS Biological Scientist I for the East Central Field Lab to support marine mammal work and necropsy activities. The role involves fielding inquiries, confirming mortalities, and assisting with carcass recovery and transport.

The position requires strong data skills, ability to work with teams, and physical stamina for manual tasks. This seasonal role operates 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET, with no telework, and is contingent on a Level 1

Qualifications

• 4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.
• Experience with marine mammal necropsies and data collection is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Field calls regarding marine mammals and manatees from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the public.
• Verify mortalities and distressed manatees potentially in need of rescue.
• Recover manatee carcasses for the ECFL and assist in necropsy field and lab work.
• Record observations and complete necropsy reports.
• Occasionally transport carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg and assist with cleaning of equipment.
• Support manatee rescue and transport operations to rehabilitation facilities.
• Participate in other research projects (temperature probes, photo ID, etc.).
• Operate computers and software such as Excel, Access, Word, and ArcGIS.

Skills

Field experience

Necropsy procedures

Data collection

Data analysis

Boat operation

Public speaking

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Excel

Access

ArcGIS

PIT tagging equipment

Biopsy equipment

Job description

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OPS Biological Scientist I- FWC - 77903019

Date: Sep 1, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website .

Requisition No:882904

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I- FWC - 77903019

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: Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Marine mammal stranding-response experience is preferred. Experience assisting with conducting high quality marine mammal necropsies and collecting the necessary samples and data to determine cause of strand/death.
Experience with necropsy report writing and editing. The ability to safely operate and trailer boats less than 30 feet in length is also highly desired.

Requirements:
This position is seasonal, funded for 6 months from hire, and not eligible for health benefits.

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

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. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees. Verification of mortalities and distressed manatees potentially in need of rescue. Recovery of manatee carcasses for the East Central Field Lab (ECFL). Serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatees, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. Occasional transportation of manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg. Responsible for carcass disposal and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Assist in manatee rescue and transport operations to the appropriate rehabilitation facility. Participate in manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. Assist with other research projects (temperature probes, photo ID, etc.) as needed. Operate a computer and software such as Excel, Access, and word. Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: methods of data collection; principles and techniques of research and analysis; marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques; SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses.
Skills: use of databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and graphics software such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and ArcGIS; use of scientific biomedical field equipment such as PIT tags and biopsy equipment. Familiarity with capture, handling, and transport of marine mammals.
Abilities to: perform daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects. Perform strenuous duties and lift at least 50 lbs. Be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself in an emergency. Write scientific reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Safely operate vehicles. Speak effectively to the public. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver’s License. Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

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.

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.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.