ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77060467

Requisition No: 836650 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77060467

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77060467 

Salary:  $61,514, annually 

Posting Closing Date: 10/24/2024 

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Associate Research Scientist – Career Service Position with Benefits

$2,365.96 Biweekly, $61,514.96 Annually

2796 Overseas Highway, Suite 119

Marathon FL, 33050

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Associate Research Scientist - CS 77060467

Marathon, Florida - $61,514.96 Annually

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:

The ability to demonstrate a strong background in data analysis using current fisheries statistical and modeling techniques and the ability to code in relevant programs such as R or python.

A coauthor on peer-reviewed publications.

Supervisory experience for teams that conduct field work.

Experience organizing and planning logistics for multi-day research missions for multiple people.

Experience with grant administration and budgeting.
 

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. This position is not eligible for telework.

Employment in this position requires proof of SCUBA certification and a valid driver’s license.

The incumbent must be able to conduct field work under adverse conditions and have the capacity to lift 50 pounds.

Note: Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide an example of data science/analysis, scientific writing, and present a seminar of their relevant research and experiences.

Travel expenses to the interview are the candidate’s responsibility, virtual options are available.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will serve as a project lead in the Finfish Research Team within Keys Fisheries Research at the South Florida Regional Lab. The duties include but not limited to:

Leading and participating in field data collection missions - Collecting data on species distribution, abundance, size structure, growth, and other population characteristics of finfish species and fisheries issues using above water and underwater sampling techniques. Underwater field research will require participation in SCUBA diving. All field work will include operating and trailering boats up to 25’ in length.

Creating and/or maintaining fisheries databases, ensure proper protocols for quality assurance are followed, and perform statistical analyses on collected data.

Engaging in effective science communication. This can be through a combination of preparing technical reports for fishery managers and other scientists, writing manuscripts suitable for peer-reviewed publications, communicating with resource users and community members through local events and producing digital media content regarding ongoing research efforts in compliance with agency policy.

Identifying appropriate external funding opportunities and developing high-quality proposals for furthering agency research capabilities.

Administering budgets to ensure research projects can meet their objectives and assisting with administrative duties to guarantee all research is conducted in a timely manner.

The employee may also perform other related work as required, assisting in other institute activities as requested, as well as promoting and participating in public outreach efforts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Suite and statistical coding programs such as R or python.
Ability to design and implement finfish research studies and follow through to completion.
Proficiency with effective communication, both orally and in writing.

Capacity to work independently as well as supervise and coordinate work assignments with other team members.
Ability and desire to work in an extremely fast-paced, team environment, sometimes under non-traditional office hours.
Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines while being able to act on changing priorities and responsibilities.

Safely operate agency vehicles and vessels up to 25’ in length while following agency regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Maintain SCUBA certification and a valid driver’s license.
 

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.  As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.

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

No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year

4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly

Retirement Plan Options

State University and College Tuition Waiver Program

On the Job Trainings

Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.

Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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.