RESEARCH COORDINATOR - 57000121

Requisition No: 859899 

Agency: Department of Citrus

Working Title: RESEARCH COORDINATOR - 57000121

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 57000121 

Salary:  $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/17/2025 

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The Florida Department of Citrus

605 East Main Street

Bartow, Florida 33830

Research Coordinator

The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) is seeking a Research Coordinator within the Scientific Research Department to coordinate citrus-related research projects supported through state funded initiatives. The Research Coordinator supports all phases of the project, including planning, monitoring, status reporting, and budget activities. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn the citrus industry and contribute to its advancement through innovative research and development.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have experience in a comparable role OR an education in a STEM field and a passion for learning. Advanced-level knowledge of Microsoft Office, excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently are also required. Note: this position will require occasional travel.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION: The Florida Department of Citrus is a marketing and research agency utilizing progressive insights to maximize demand for Florida citrus through a fully integrated marketing and public relations program. Based in Central Florida (Bartow), FDOC is responsible for domestic and international marketing, research and regulation of the $6.9 billion Florida citrus industry.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Not all inclusive):

• Support the Scientific Research Director, the Executive Director and members of the citrus industry to develop research programs in citrus production, post-harvest and human health benefits.
• Assist in evaluating project proposals for goals, objectives, budgets, and timelines that fit within defined initiatives.
• Assist in preparing project budgets and monitoring expenditures of various projects.
• Monitor the progress of project tasks to ensure that deliverables are met.
• Assists with invoice processing and payments.
• Proactively communicate project status, issues, and risks to Scientific Research Director.
• Meet regularly with project and industry stakeholders.
• Collect and report project data to the Scientific Research Director.
• Attend industry meetings as requested and provide summaries to the Scientific Research Director.
• Retains necessary records.
• Coordinates research/project team meetings.
• Understand and apply department and state rules, regulations, policies and procedures as needed.
• Create positive working relationships with employees of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the University of Florida.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the department and the industry.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Director of Scientific Research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in a comparable role. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in citrus, agriculture, horticulture or other STEM field can substitute for four years of experience.
• Proven analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to conduct fact-finding research, organize into a logical format for presentations/documents.
• Proven ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Advanced level of experience/knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel/Word/Outlook/PowerPoint) a must.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, both internal staff and external clients.

VETERAN RECRUITMENT STATEMENT: The Florida Department of Citrus values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES RECRUITMENT STATEMENT: The Florida Department of Citrus values and supports the employment of Individuals with Disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

REMINDERS:

• Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information please visit the SSS website at http://www.sss.gov.
• If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.
• The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.

 NOTE: All responses provided to the qualifying questions must be verifiable on your State of Florida Employment Application.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.