OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77907584

Florida; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Job summary

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is seeking a Fish and Wildlife Technician – OPS to support field surveys around Lake Marian in Osceola County. The position involves interviewing anglers, recording data, and safely operating boats and equipment in varying weather.

Shifts are scheduled randomly, averaging 3 per week (1–5), with training in January–April.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 2 years of wildlife/environmental experience required.
• Associate’s degree may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with field data collection and boating is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interview anglers on Lake Marian to collect catch data.
• Record survey data accurately on spreadsheets.
• Operate boats and FWC equipment safely.
• Shift schedule includes weekdays/weekends, 1–5 per week.
• January–April duration with 3 training courses.

Skills

Boat operation

GPS navigation

Public communication

Data recording

Driver's license

Boating safety

Education

High school diploma or Associate's degree

Job description

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Date: Oct 23, 2026

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

Requisition No:886085

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fish and Wildlife Technician – OPS Position

$15 per hour

525 Community College Pkwy SE

Palm Bay, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Fish and Wildlife Technician - OPS77907584

Palm Bay, Florida-$15 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:

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:

Familiarity with common freshwater fish and fishing techniques in Florida.

Requirements:

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

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position involves interviewing anglers on Lake Marian (Osceola County) by asking specific questions about their catch and harvest of freshwater fish species.

The incumbent will be responsible for accurately recording detailed survey data while operating a boat independently and safely.

The incumbent will be responsible for operating FWC equipment (i.e., 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 as long as conditions are not dangerous.

Availability: Shifts are scheduled via random selection, including weekdays and weekends, average of 3 shifts per week (can range from 1-5 shifts per week). Earliest shift is 8:00-10:30, latest shift is 16:00-19:00. Schedule will be finalized at the start of employment.

Job duration: January – April beginning with 3 training courses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Proficiency in safely trailering and operating boats up to 18 ft LOA and up to 115 Horsepower

Comfortable using maps and GPS to navigate in remote settings

Ability to work independently and in teams, and effectively communicate with the public

Ability to record handwritten data accurately and legibly on provided spreadsheets

Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license, boating safety card, and complete required vessel safety training

Ability to work in inclement conditions

Physically capable of lifting and using heavy (e.g., 50 lbs.) field equipment

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 Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

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.