OPS- Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77904092

Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking an OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician for Rodman Reservoir in Marion/Putnam County, FL. This seasonal role involves interviewing anglers and recording survey data from a boat, with duties including operating trucks, trailers and boats for FWC work.

The position requires a high school diploma and boating knowledge; shifts run December through May with varied days and times. Training and safety protocols are provided.

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 may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Interview anglers on Rodman Reservoir about catch and harvest of freshwater fish species.
• Record detailed survey data accurately while operating a boat independently and safely.
• Operate FWC equipment (trucks, trailers, motorboats) for agency business in a safe manner.
• Survey in various weather conditions provided they are not dangerous.

Skills

Boat operation

Data entry

Public communication

Weather tolerance

Attention to detail

Follow technical instructions

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree substitute

Tools

Boat/Trailer operation

Job description

Requisition No: 884268
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS- Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77904092
Pay Plan: Seasonal
Position Number: 77904092
Salary: $15.00 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 10/07/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management
Location: Marion/Putnam County, Rodman Reservoir
OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician
$15.00/HR
Supervisor: Thomas Baker – Fisheries Biologist III
3377 E US Hwy 90
Lake City FL, 32055
Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management
OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician – Position Number 77904092
Marion/Putman County, FL

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.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old.
• Must have valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, is required.
• Must have knowledge of common freshwater fishes
• Must be proficient in safely and independently operating boat/outboard motor, launching/retrieving, maneuvering, and holding position close to other boats, trailer towing and backing down boat ramp.
• Any person employed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must possess a valid boaters safety education identification card prior to operating any agency vessel. The selected employee must already possess a boater safety card or be willing and able to obtain one prior to the first day of fieldwork.

Position Overview And Responsibilities

• Interviews anglers on Rodman Reservoir by asking specific questions about their catch and harvest of freshwater fish species.
• This position is responsible for 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.
• Surveys will be conducted in all weather types including hot, cold, windy, and/or rainy conditions if conditions are not dangerous.

Schedule

Availability: Shifts are scheduled via random selection, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Work begins in early December and runs until the end of May. Each survey is 3 hours long before daylight savings time and 4 hours long after. Earliest shift is 7:30-10:30, latest shift is 16:00-20:00 (4:00-8:00pm). Average of 3 shifts per week but can be 1 shift one week and 5 shifts the following week. The entire schedule will be known at the beginning of employment.

Job duration: December 2026 - May 2027

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.
• Attention to detail

Why should I apply?

Benefits

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.