OPS Research Assistant - 77907520

Requisition No: 871358 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Assistant - 77907520

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907520 

Salary:  $22 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 03/19/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Anticipated Vacancy

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Coastal Wetlands

Research Assistant – OPS Position

$22 per hour

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Coastal Wetlands

Research Assistant - OPS 77907520

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.

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: 

A bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences. 

Experience in performing field work or laboratory work associated with estuarine or coastal wetland science. Experience trailering and operating small vessels up to 24 ft in length. 

Requirements:

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

This is an in-person position, based at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, FL. Although most work will be conducted during normal business hours, evening and weekend work may be required for some time-sensitive tasks.

Some overnight travel (up to 25% of time) for field duties may be required.
 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Complete field work, laboratory analyses, data analyses, and written assignments for various research projects in the Coastal Wetlands Research Program in the Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration Section. Specific duties to include: Perform field work related to biological research in coastal wetlands and oyster reefs (including packing, maintenance of equipment, and oversight of data entry). Conduct laboratory analyses, including loss-on-ignition analysis of soil samples, analysis of dissolved organic carbon concentration of water samples, and elemental analysis of soil and plant matter. Supervise interns, volunteers and/or technicians and delegate project tasks; Oversee laboratory activities and provide training to staff and interns on methods and quality control standards. Assist with report and manuscript preparation and writing tasks, including text and visual elements. Coordinate vehicle safety and maintenance tasks and submit monthly vehicle logs; Complete field work in local (Tampa Bay) efforts as well as overnight travel to other regions of Florida; Complete data entry; Participate in scientific and public outreach activities as appropriate, including MarineQuest.

This position is for 40 hours/week. Although most work will be conducted during normal business hours, evening and weekend work may be required for some time-sensitive tasks and field efforts. Some overnight travel (up to 25% of time) for field duties may be required.

This temporary position is supported by state and federal funding sources. Continued employment is dependent upon annual funding availability and renewal of associated grants. Current funding is anticipated through June 30 2027, but could be extended pending new funding sources.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in scientific research, statistical analysis, or testing; Knowledge of the methods of data collection, including the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment; Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.

Ability to conduct scientific research, studies or analyses using scientific methods and techniques; Ability to collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to scientific research; Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data and utilize problem-solving techniques; Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to work independently and communicate effectively. Ability to conduct outdoor field work in coastal wetlands and lift 50 lbs.

Proficient skills with personal computers and Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).

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.