OPS Biological Scientist I

Requisition No:

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - FWC

 Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number:

Salary:  $18/Hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/08/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Terrestrial Mammals

F&W Biologist 1 – OPS Position

$18 per hour

1105 SW Williston Rd

Gainesville, FL

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Terrestrial Mammals

F&W Biologist 1 – OPS

Gainesville, Florida - $18 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:
4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. or 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: 

The preferred candidate has experience identifying and handling bats and tracking bats with radio telemetry. Recent pre-exposure rabies vaccination or minimum recommended titer level is strongly preferred.  Knowledge of bat biology, conservation, and species identification (acoustically and/or in hand) is preferred. Knowledge of southeastern tree species and experience conducting vegetation surveys is preferred. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills and be able to work cooperatively with diverse colleagues, partners, landowners, and citizens. 

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

Position requires work of nonstandard hours including nights and weekends. Work is limited to 40 hours per week.

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:

This project involves the capture and tracking of bats to locate maternity roosts of the tricolored bat, a species under consideration for federal protection. The maternity roosting behavior of tricolored bats remains a poorly understood aspects of their life history, particularly in the southeast. Developing a better understanding of roosting habitat and behavior will enable us to better inform management efforts and enhance conservation strategies for this vulnerable species. The position is expected to last from mid-March to early-August and is expected to be located near Gainesville. The majority of fieldwork will be in north-central Florida. The position is responsible for conducting mist netting and radio telemetry to locate tricolored bat summer roosts. Main duties include working independently or with other staff members to capture and track bats, ensure that standard WNS decontamination procedures are followed, conduct emergence counts at identified roosts, and complete vegetation surveys at roost and random trees. Additional duties may include contacting landowners and land managers to request property access, entering and QCing data, and assisting in writing reports. This is a 40 hour per week position. 

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently
Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines 

Must be able to carry-out extensive field work in a variety of situations, including working in muggy, buggy weather and around alligators.

Knowledge of bats of the southeast and safe handling methods

Knowledge of common trees of the southeast

Skill in radio-telemetry, including triangulation and tracking 

Knowledge of standard white-nose syndrome decontamination procedures

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)

For a more complete list of benefits, visit 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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 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 , F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.