About the role
Requisition No: 886713
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist I - 77907328
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907328
Salary: $18.50 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 11/16/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Section
Biological Scientist I – OPS Position
$18.50 per hour
FWRI Headquarters,
100 8th Avenue Southeast
Saint Petersburg, FL
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Harmful Algal Blooms
Biological Scientist I - OPS 77907328
Saint Petersburg, Florida - $18.50 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.
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) group of Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for a full-time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Biological Scientist I to support statewide research and monitoring efforts through molecular biology. This position is laboratory-based with opportunities for fieldwork.
Minimum Qualifications:
4 years of professional experience in a closely-related biological or laboratory program is required. 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:
Preference may be given to candidates with a degree in a molecular biology or genetics field, experience working in a molecular biology or genetics laboratory, and/or expertise with phytoplankton and harmful algae
Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
To be considered for this position a Cover Letter and Resume MUST be attached to your PeopleFirst Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.
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:
The employee will be responsible for activities in support of ongoing monitoring and research for the Harmful Algal Blooms subsection at FWC/FWRI. Specific duties include:
- Maintaining a clean and sterile lab environment
- Extracting nucleic acids from field or cultured samples
- Quantifying extracted DNA
- Performing analysis of experimental samples including microscopy-based cell counts as needed
- Supporting the development of fluorometric assays for experimental cultures in addition to field instruments
- Collecting, filtering, and performing other preparations or analyses of seawater in the lab or field as needed
- Maintaining detailed lab notes
- Sample organization and maintenance of sample processing logs
- Entering and maintaining data, ensuring data entry and maintenance by others, processing data, and establishing or following QA/QC guidelines
- Consistent and timely communication with supervisor
- Synthesizing project specific data sets for presentations, reports, and publications
- Participation in required and optional training related to duties and responsibilities
- Contributing to HAB outreach (e.g. Marine Quest)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
A strong working knowledge of: standard laboratory equipment and practices including safety protocols; basic techniques and terminology necessary for: maintain a sterile work station; DNA extractions; microscopy-based enumeration of phytoplankton; fluorometry of laboratory cultures to monitor growth; standard water sampling and filtering; nucleic acid extractions from field samples, MS Office applications and statistical/ data analysis software.
Skills: using aseptic/sterile techniques; extracting nucleic acids from field and cultured samples; learning, validating, implementing, and documenting laboratory and field techniques; constructing spreadsheets and data visualizations; recording, managing, QA/QC’ing and analyzing data; establishing tractable practices and timelines for designated projects, participating in HAB monitoring and event response activities as needed
The ability to: effectively plan tasks and contribute to research, event response, and monitoring efforts; learn and refine instrument operations and analyses; work efficiently in the lab and field, independently and as part of a team; follow and contribute to development of standard operating protocols; maintain detailed laboratory and field notes; troubleshoot and maintain quality control standards in the laboratory; work closely with supervisor and provide regular updates; and perform data analysis and synthesis of final products and publications.
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 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.