OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907455

Requisition No: 875222 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Assistant Research Scientist - 77907455

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907455 

Salary:  $26.50 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/26/2026 

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FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Harmful Algal Blooms

Assistant Research Scientist – OPS Position

$26.50 per hour

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Harmful Algal Blooms

Assistant Research Scientist - OPS 77907455

St. Petersburg, Florida - $26.50 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.

The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) group of the FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for an OPS Assistant Research Scientist to coordinate and participate in the culturing of and experimentation with Karenia and other HAB species as part of the FWC Center for Red Tide Research. This position involves maintaining a culture collection and planning and executing independent and collaborative systematic, life history, ecological, physiological, and applied research on harmful algae. The successful candidate will implement strong laboratory, field, and communication approaches to provide critical operational support to statewide HAB monitoring and research efforts. Other responsibilities include oral and written communications on the state of HAB research and events to varied audiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

7 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program 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 three 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 two 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 can substitute for the required experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with a degree in marine ecology or oceanography; experience culturing harmful algae in a laboratory setting; experience designing and conducting experiments for phytoplankton physiology; and experience with flow cytometry and PAM fluorometry. 

Requirements:

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

To be considered for this position a Cover Letter and Resume MUST be attached to your PeopleFirst Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

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 employee will be responsible for activities in support of ongoing monitoring and research for the Harmful Algal Blooms subsection at FWC/FWRI. Specific duties include:

• Maintain Karenia cultures by transferring routinely to new media and monitoring culture health
• Lead and participate in culture-based physiology experiments with Karenia and other phytoplankton
• Formulate and prepare primary stocks and growth media for culture maintenance and experiments and maintain chemical inventory for growth media
• Operate, maintain, and coordinate use of instruments: PAM fluorometer, Bigfoot cell sorter, Coulter counter, laminar flow hoods, microscopes
• Coordinate and prepare cultures for culture loans and outreach activities, as needed
• Coordinate the collection and preparation of natural seawater used for culturing
• Coordinate and participate in isolation and identification of new strains
• Coordinate maintenance of phytoplankton cultures, including Karenia species
• Maintain database of active and archived cultures and their growth conditions
• Maintain algal growth chambers and associated lighting and temperature control systems and loggers
• Assisting with and/or leading preparation of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and material for grant submissions and reports 
• Interacting with IT and procurement staff as needed to maintain analytical infrastructure
• Contributing to communication activities including presenting results to end-users of methods and associated data, and other outreach as requested
• Participating in oceanic field sampling and routine sample analyses

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A strong working knowledge of: algal culturing techniques and isolation; algal systematics, ecology and physiology; experimental design for physiological research; nutrient stoichiometry; microscopy and fluorometry (e.g. PAM fluorometry and flow cytometry); standard sampling practices for phytoplankton ecology; standard laboratory equipment and safety protocols for sterile techniques, preparation of chemical solutions; Microsoft Office Suite, data management and statistical data analysis software.

Skills to: formulate and prepare algal growth media and primary stock solutions; use aseptic/sterile techniques for cell isolation and cultivation; maintain instruments and equipment; learn, validate, implement, and document laboratory and field phytoplankton techniques and technologies to enhance the culture collection and culture-based experiments; collect, record, manage, and analyze data; conduct checks for quality assurance and control of data, establish tractable practices, guidelines, and timelines for multiple projects and present to supervisor and HAB leaders, participating in HAB monitoring and event response activities as needed; maintain detailed records; prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific manuscripts

Ability to: synthesize interdisciplinary concepts; manage time effectively for both routine maintenance of cultures and dedicated experiments; work independently and as part of a team, effectively coordinate with team members; utilize problem-solving techniques; provide regular updates on progress and setbacks; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

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. .

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

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.