OPS Fish & Wildlife Technician - 77907584

State of Florida • Palm Bay, FL

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is hiring an OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician to conduct angler surveys on Lake Marian in Osceola County. The technician will interview anglers about their catch and harvest of freshwater fish species and accurately record detailed survey data. The role requires independently and safely operating a boat and using FWC equipment—including trucks, trailers, and motorboats—only for FWC business and in a safe, law-abiding manner.

Surveys take place in hot, cold, windy, or rainy weather, provided conditions are not dangerous. Shifts are assigned by random selection and include weekdays and weekends, averaging three shifts per week but ranging from one to five. The earliest shift begins between 8:00 and 10:30, and the latest ends between 16:00 and 19:00. The schedule will be finalized at the start of employment. The job runs from January through April and begins with three training courses.

Employment is contingent on a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. The position pays $15 per hour. Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may have access to health coverage, life insurance, an OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan, on-the-job training, and FMLA.

Requirements

• High school diploma and two years of post-high-school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological, or related agriculture or construction; vocational training or an associate degree in a relevant field from an accredited school or college may substitute year for year for the required experience.
• Safely trailer and operate boats up to 18 feet LOA and up to 115 horsepower.
• Comfort using maps and GPS to navigate in remote settings.
• Ability to work independently and in teams and communicate effectively with the public.
• Ability to record handwritten data accurately and legibly on provided spreadsheets.
• Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license and boating safety card and complete required vessel safety training.
• Ability to work in inclement conditions.
• Physical ability to lift and use heavy field equipment, such as equipment weighing 50 pounds.
• Satisfactory Level 1 background check.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with common freshwater fish and fishing techniques in Florida.

Responsibilities

• Interview anglers on Lake Marian about their catch and harvest of freshwater fish species.
• Accurately record detailed survey data.
• Operate a boat independently and safely.
• Operate FWC trucks, trailers, and motorboats for FWC business in a safe and law-abiding manner.
• Conduct surveys in varied weather conditions when conditions are not dangerous.

Benefits

• Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may receive comprehensive health coverage, with stated biweekly premiums for single and family coverage.
• Low-cost $25,000 life insurance.
• OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan.
• On-the-job training.
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED