OPS Research Assistant - 77907379

Requisition No: 866839 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Assistant - 77907379

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907379 

Salary:  $22 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Section

Research Assistant – OPS Position

$22 per hour

100 Eighth Avenue Southeast

St. Petersburg, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Habitat Research

Research Assistant - OPS 77907379

St. Petersburg, Florida - $22 per hour

Anticipated Vacancy

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 Seagrass Ecology laboratory group of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for a full-time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Research Assistant Scientist within the Seagrass Integrated Mapping and Monitoring (SIMM) Program for the Coordinator position. The SIMM Program was developed to protect and manage seagrasses in Florida by providing a collaborative resource for seagrass mapping, monitoring, and data sharing.

Minimum Qualifications:
4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field, laboratory program, physical or natural sciences, or mathematics 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 can substitute for the required experience. 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
1 year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program or a master’s degree in one of the biological sciences

Experience with scientific and/or technical writing experience

Experience with ArcGIS

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 incumbent will serve as the Coordinator for the Seagrass Integrated Mapping and Monitoring (SIMM) Program.  The duties include but not limited to:
Identify, connect and coordinate with statewide seagrass mapping and monitoring partners.

Collect and manage in-water and boat-based field data, and aggregate, analyze, and summarize seagrass data from local, state, and federal programs.

Assist with data collection and other research projects in the Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration (EAR) Seagrass Ecology Laboratory as requested.

Maintain seagrass data consistent with SIMM QAQC protocols.

Use GIS and statistical software analyze data collected by the SIMM Program.

Assist SIMM Program staff to write, publish, and present technical reports, summaries, and manuscripts on seagrass ecology.

Assist with procurement and oversight of SIMM contracts, including scope of work development, deliverable review, and contractor coordination.

Assist with equipment and laboratory maintenance and follow safety protocols for field and laboratory activities.

Operate and maintain FWC vehicles, trailers and research vessels (< 25’) as needed.

Promote and participate in FWC/FWRI public outreach efforts as needed.

Assist with SIMM workshops, presentations, newsletters and web content.

Administrative duties, which include: completing travel documents, submitting timesheets, adhering to purchasing protocols, and providing clear, timely, and effective updates to project team members and supervisor.

Performs other duties as assigned.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in marine, biological, ecological or environmental science and 1 year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders

Ability to communicate effectively and proficiently verbally and in writing

Possess a valid driver’s license

Familiarity with basic principles and techniques used in scientific data collection

Experience in the use of personal computers and software including ArcGIS, R, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Ability to travel occasionally and swim to conduct in-water surveys of estuarine and marine natural resources. 

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/.

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.