OPS Associate Research Scientist - 77907502

Requisition No: 884332 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Associate Research Scientist - 77907502

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907502 

Salary:  $30-33 per hour, depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Associate Research Scientist – OPS Position

$30-33 per hour, depending on experience

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL 34684

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Associate Research Scientist – OPS 77907502

St. Petersburg, Florida - $30-33 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:
8 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory is required. 

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and four years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or 

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and three years of professional experience as described above; or 

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and one year of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.  
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Proficiency in analyses of biological, fisheries, and life history data.

Proficiency in spatial analyses using ESRI products to support research operations.

Experience in automating reports and database technologies.

Requirements:

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

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Some travel involved.

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 incumbent will be responsible for conducting research, monitoring, and analysis of all aspects of life history, ecology, population, and fisheries dynamics of Crustacean Fisheries and Molluscan Fisheries, as needed. The duties include but are not limited to: using sophisticated techniques to analyze, interpret, compare, and summarize research data for scientific reports, manuscripts, and assessments. Assist with design and implementation of research and monitoring programs that address existing or upcoming management actions. Participates in field sampling, database management, and automating routine reports, working closely with Crustacean Fisheries and Molluscan Fisheries program leads. Establishes functional working relationships with user groups including internal and external government agencies, recreational and commercial fisheries, as well as community -based organizations. Keeps current on state- of-the- art techniques and scientific literature.

The incumbent will supervise assigned staff within the stone crab, blue crab, and horseshoe crab fishery-independent-monitoring program, in both local and remote field labs. Duties include but are not limited to recruitment, training, mentorship, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employees and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI policies, rules, and procedures.

The incumbent will assist with monitoring state and grant budgets and submitting timely reports. Performs other duties as assigned.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position: Ability to supervise staff, work groups and lead field teams during scientific sampling; Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in scientific research and knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices associated with marine science fisheries research; Skill with methods of data collection. and laboratory and field preparations in support of field-oriented fisheries research: Skill with basic laboratory methods including counting, weighing, measuring, animal dissections, tissue preparation and incubation, microscopy, species identification. data recording, data entry and data proofing; Skill with scientific laboratory and field equipment; Skill trailering, operating and collecting scientific samples from marine vessels up to 25' in length. Ability to perform strenuous field duties in adverse conditions and maintain flexibility with work hours, including working overtime and weekends; Skill using Microsoft office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; skill creating and updating spreadsheets; Ability to: conduct both quantitative and qualitative analyses of data; produce high quality report of results and findings; produce written work products of publishable quality. Ability to willingly follow and adhere to standard operating protocols; Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently to accomplish research goals; Ability to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. repeatedly over extended periods.

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. 

Biweekly Health Premiums $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family

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.