OPS FISH & WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN - 77902483

Florida; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seeks an OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician for North Central Florida. The role focuses on creel surveys, field data collection, and boat-based monitoring of freshwater fisheries.

The position is part-time, pays $15.00 per hour, and runs through June 30, 2027 with potential extension. Requires a high school diploma and relevant wildlife/fisheries experience; boating skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Two years of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological, or related fields are required.
• An Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with freshwater fishery monitoring and management activities including creel surveys and data entry.
• Conduct a creel survey interviewing anglers and recording detailed survey data while operating a boat.
• Operate FWC equipment (trucks, trailers and motorboats) safely and legally.
• Work in all weather conditions and coordinate shifts from January to June, with possible extension through 2027.
• Position is not eligible for telework.

Skills

Boat operation

Data entry

Fisheries knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related field

Tools

Motorboats

Trailers

Trucks

Job description

Requisition No: 883880

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS FISH & WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN - 77902483

Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 77902483

Salary: $15.00 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 10/02/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician

$15.00/HR

7386 NW 71St Street

Gainesville, FL 32653

Supervisor: Steve Beck- Fisheries Biologist IV

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician – Position Number 77902483

Gainesville, FL 32653

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:
A high school diploma and two years of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required. Vocational training or an

Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating motorboats and trailering.
• Coursework in fisheries, wildlife, ecological, or related field.
• Experience sampling freshwater fish and data entry .

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old.
• Must have valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, is required.
• Two years of post-high school education in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological, or agricultural programs are required.
• Must have passed, or pass upon hiring, an approved boater safety course.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is a part-time position assisting with various freshwater fishery monitoring and management activities in North Central Florida. This position will primarily assist with field work and data entry. Time required will not exceed 40 hours per week and will average 20-25 hours per week. A major role of this position will be to conduct a creel survey (interview anglers) independently by boat on a local lake. Creel survey shifts will occur from January to June, including weekdays and weekends, with an average of 3 shifts per week (can range from 1-5 shifts per week). The creel survey shift dates/times will be randomly selected and determined prior to the start of the survey. Non-creel survey work will occur on weekdays as needed and may require long field days (10-12 hours, infrequent). The position is funded through June 30th, 2027, with the possibility of extension.

• Assist with freshwater fishery monitoring and management activities including, but not limited to: conducting a creel survey, boat electrofishing, data entry, equipment maintenance, outreach events, transporting fish, and various research projects.
• The creel survey will consist of interviewing anglers by asking specific questions about their catch and harvest of freshwater fish species, accurately recording detailed survey data while operating a boat independently and safely.
• Incumbent will be responsible for operating FWC equipment (ex. trucks, trailers and motorboats) for FWC business only and in a safe and law-abiding manner.
• Field work will be conducted in all-weather types including hot, cold, windy, and/or rainy conditions as long as conditions are not dangerous.
• Position is not eligible for telework.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of common freshwater fishes.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions relating to sampling and evaluation of freshwater fisheries and aquatic habitats.
• Ability to independently operate boats, motors and trailers.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public.
• Ability to work in inclement weather.
• Ability to enter data using standard software.

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)

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.