OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42902655 Date: Jul 28, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) . Requisition No: 857373 Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42902655 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 42902655 Salary: $21.00 Hourly Posting Closing Date: 08/04/2025 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE ***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY-- THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION*** CONTACT: Tammy Fitchett (904) 266-8360 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciencesandone (1) year of related professional experience;or A master’s degree from an accredited college or university as described above. Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency. Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license ***ATTENTION CANDIDATES*** To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: + All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile). + Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position. + Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Position will be based at Jennings State Forest headquarters. Occasional to moderate travel required. Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed. NOTES: To maintain fairness and integrity in our hiring process, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Applicants must provide their own, authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and recruitment process. Any candidate found using AI to assist in their answers will be disqualified from consideration. JOB DUTIES: The Biological Scientist II will work on habitat monitoring and restoration projects on five state forests across the Jacksonville district. The candidate will work closely with the District Biological Scientist III, various Florida Forest Service staff and will also be required to conduct fieldwork independently without direct supervision. The incumbent will have familiarity with Florida ecosystems and have experience in conducting various species surveys. Fieldwork will be conducted during all times of year and the candidate should be prepared to work in Florida weather. The biologist will have the ability to work effectively with cooperators, volunteers, and contractors through good written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with GPS and GIS and their use in tracking and documenting data. Knowledge in the use of applications such as Field Maps and Avenza are recommended.This is largely a field-oriented position but will also assist in data processing and grant writing. Specific examples of work performed include but are not limited to the following: + Projects will include various wildlife survey techniques for wetland monitoring, plant transects, herp arrays, and other techniques as necessary. + This position will have a heavy focus on upland invasive species survey and control. Plan and execute mechanical and herbicide treatments of upland non-native/invasive plants on state forest. + Attend Florida Forest Service staff meetings and training as required. Attend meetings and workshops relevant to performance of position. + Maintain district herbicide inventory and tracking; including sprayer application records + Attend S-130/190 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training and participate in the Jacksonville district’s prescribed fire program as needed. + Perform other duties as assigned including the proper maintenance of all assigned equipment and vehicles. The Following Special Benefits for this Position Include + Annual Uniform Allotment The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. + Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*); + Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com ; + State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees); + Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com ; + Employee Assistance Program (EAP). *Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility\_and\_enrollment/ops\_employees For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the“Total Compensation Estimator Tool”located above under the “Posting Closing Date.” SPECIAL NOTES: 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 (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. Location: MIDDLEBURG, FL, US, 32068 Nearest Major Market:Jacksonville