OPS Research Associate - 77901693

Requisition No: 863818 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Associate - 77901693

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901693 

Salary:  $26/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Section

Research Associate – OPS Position

$26 per hour

100 8th Ave S

Saint Petersburg, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute – Harmful Algal Blooms

Research Associate - OPS 77901693, 77907295

Saint Petersburg, Florida - $26 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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for two full-time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Research Associate positions to provide technical support to ongoing HAB monitoring, research, and event response within the Microscopy Program.

Minimum Qualifications:
Six years (6) 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 two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or two years of experience as a Research Assistant – FWC; or, a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for one year of the required experience; or, a doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for the required experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with experience in: microalgae identification by light, fluorescence, and/or electron microscopy; cultivation of microalgae; molecular or imaging techniques applied to microorganism taxonomy and physiology; and/or, expertise with phytoplankton and harmful algae (and in particular, expertise in cyanobacteria, dinoflagellate, and/or other flagellate taxonomy).

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

The application package must include a cover letter and a resume/CV.

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:

Both positions will involve phytoplankton identification, microscopy, laboratory support, and data management. One position expects already acquired expertise in the identification of HAB taxa; the other position expects already acquired expertise in the identification of phytoplankton taxa more broadly. Each role involves independent and collaborative work across multiple program areas, with emphasis on accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established protocols. Responsibilities of the positions include the following:

Support the HAB monitoring program by working independently to identify HAB species and with other lab members of the taxonomy laboratory to prioritize daily tasks and ensure that sample analysis is conducted by specified deadlines; tasks include receiving and logging samples into databases; identifying and enumerating marine and estuarine phytoplankton species collected in live and preserved samples; entering data into databases; learning new taxa and taxonomic methodologies; and communicating data results internally and externally.

Support HAB monitoring and research by conducting in depth taxonomic identification as part of targeted research efforts; this includes assisting and/or leading method development and refinement for light and/or electron microscopy (EM) microalgae studies, fostering the learning and teaching of phytoplankton taxonomic advancements, and supporting EM efforts, including sample preparation and analysis.

Assist HAB monitoring and research by participating in research and event response efforts by analyzing and sharing scientific data internally and externally. This includes receiving/providing training on phytoplankton identification, including methods of sampling and analysis, as well as database use, technical report writing, proofing data and reports, and sharing reports with target audiences.

Assist HAB monitoring and research by collaborating on database-related tasks, assisting with directed assignments as needed, and contributing to advancing internal and external reporting strategies. Also, provide support to the volunteer program by assisting with communications in aiding strategic recruitment and retention, sharing relevant information, as well as maintaining accurate records of microscopy, training, database, and volunteer-related activities.

Update supervisor regularly on work progress and any issues. The employee will be open to the possibility of supervising assigned staff within the microscopy program, establishing and coordinating job duties.

Collaboration with other researchers and participation in other Harmful Algal Bloom Program activities, such as field work and outreach, is expected as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong knowledge of phytoplankton morphology and taxonomy, including aspects pertaining to life cycle, physiology, toxicity, and ecology, and with a focus on species that form harmful algal blooms (HABs); diverse techniques for the identification and enumeration of phytoplankton; basic principles and procedures implemented in microscopy; data collection and analysis.

Skills to identify phytoplankton to the genus and species level, particularly Florida HABs; plan and coordinate work assignments; collect, record and analyze data; maintain records; contextualize findings about phytoplankton species composition and abundance; maintain and order laboratory equipment and supplies as needed; prepare and disseminate technical reports and peer reviewed publications; prepare reagents following established protocols; communicate effectively with staff and partners; supervise assigned staff.

Ability to work as part of a team of researchers and share laboratory space to complete tasks timely and efficiently; use microscopes for extended periods of time (4-6 hours per day); establish and maintain working relationships with others within and outside the agency; work independently; utilize problem-solving techniques; guide, oversee, and mentor junior staff; learn and/or teach new taxonomic methods and/or standard operating procedures; learn new taxa; stay current in taxonomic designations for Florida HABs and other microalgae; 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/.

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.