OPS Senior F & W Tech - 77902459

Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Tallahassee is seeking a Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist II to implement integrated pest management for invasive plants. The role involves field surveys, mapping, chemical control, and reporting, with travel up to 25% and a 40-hour work week.

The position requires a high school diploma and two years of related experience; an associate degree or vocational training may substitute.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and 2 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 on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and control measures for two Federally listed noxious weeds across the panhandle and state.
• Survey, map and perform chemical control directed at Giant salvinia and Azolla pinnata.
• Prepare weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for timesheets, purchasing and accomplishments.
• Operate, maintain and repair equipment and vehicles including trucks, boats and spray equipment.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Data recording

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Herbicide experience

Drone familiarity

Education

High school diploma

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

Job description

Requisition No: 882517

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Senior F & W Tech - 77902459

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77902459

Salary: $19.71 an hour

Posting Closing Date: 10/31/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Working Title: Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist II

Position number: 77902459

Program Broad Band Code: 19-1023-02

OPS Rate of pay: $19.71 an hour

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working hours: 40hrs/week. Overnight travel may be required no more than 25% of the time.

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: Tallahassee area

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section: Invasive Plant Management

Sub-section: Aquatic

Location: 1875 Orange Ave East Tallahassee Florida 32311

Supervisor: Mariah McInnis, for inquiries [e-mail]

Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

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.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Imperiled Species Management Section within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum qualifications

A high school diploma and 2 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.

Description of duties

Fish and Wildlife BS II will be responsible for management and control measures for two Federally listed noxious weeds found across the panhandle and in other areas of the state. The main focus of this position will involve the application of integrated pest management activities including surveying, mapping, and chemical control directed at Giant salvinia ( Salvinia molesta ) and Azolla pinnata found in Escambia, Bay, Gadsden, and Leon Counties. This position will also assist with the planning, development and maintenance of other projects as needed such as surveying, mapping, and treating other EDRR (early detection rapid response) species that appear throughout the state. The employee will operate, maintain, and repair equipment and vehicles including trucks, boats, and spray equipment in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations. Incumbent will prepare and submit accurate weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for timesheets, purchasing, and accomplishments. The employee will be required to interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning invasive plant species, infested area conditions, and will attend regional and divisional meetings and training programs. The employee will be required to obtain an FDACS Pesticide Applicator certificate and license.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• This position primarily performs the duties in a field setting. The applicant should be comfortable working outside in various weather conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, working on slippery or uneven surfaces, working in or with moving objects/vehicles, traffic hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles and exposure to aggressive domestic and non-domestic animals, reptiles and insects.
• This position may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, driving, using hands to handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, climbing or balancing and reaching with hands and arms. In addition, this position may be required to occasionally lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds with or without assistance. This position is regularly required to use vision, speech and hearing, with or without assistive devices.
• This position utilizes the following tools and equipment often independently while performing the duties of the job: outboard vessels, canoe/kayaks, spray tanks and pumps, backpack sprayers, GPS, hand tools (pole saws, shovels, rakes, wheel barrels, etc.), gas powered tools (blowers, chain saws, edgers, generators, and pressure washers), and State vehicle.
• This position will cover the EDRR needs of the entire state and as such overnight travel will be required (no more than 25% of the time).
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license

Desired Qualifications Include

• Ability to work well both independently and in a team-setting in a fast-paced work environment, accurately record data, and meet deadlines
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with herbicide applications
• Experience driving outboard boats and airboats
• Experience trailering boats and other equipment
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Florida
• Familiarity with drones

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers limited benefits.

Benefits Applicable To OPS Employees

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation - mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
• Potential for participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements).
• Deferred Compensation – voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
• WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights

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.