RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FWC - 77072020

Requisition No: 882505 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FWC - 77072020

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072020 

Salary:  $45,000 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 09/15/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Marine Fisheries Research / Fisheries-Independent Monitoring program

$45,000 Annually

100 8th Ave SE

St Petersburg, FL

  Internal Agency Only current FWC employees will be considered at this time

Research Associate - CS 77072020

Pending Location Change to St. Petersburg, Florida - $45,000 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:

Currently an FWC employee.

6 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 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 the following qualifications:

Demonstrated experience in fisheries-independent data collection, management, and analysis.

Proficiency in geographic software.

Applicants with at least 5 years of professional experience in fisheries field sampling in marine environments and experience identifying Florida’s estuarine fish.

 Requirements:

To be eligible for consideration, applicant must be a current FTE or OPS employee of the FWC. 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 FWC is seeking an individual with strong fisheries and quantitative skills to fill a Research Associate position in its Marine Fisheries Research, Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. This position will be expected to participate in all aspects of Florida’s Fisheries-Independent Monitoring program. With emphasis on coordinating, conducting, and leading statistically valid research surveys in estuarine and marine waters on various sized boats to evaluate relative abundance of fish stocks, age composition, movement, growth, and health. They will collect physical, biological, optical and acoustic data following defined procedures.

The incumbent will be responsible for project implementation, sampling, data management, data summaries, and report writing. 

 Duties will include but are not limited to: Project implementation and data management of various FIM research projects following strict QA/QC protocols. Fish and invertebrate identifications using a microscope and/or video camera. Assist with preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations. Statistically analyze data from FIM program sampling projects to describe both single-species and community structure processes. Present results and represent FWC/FWRI/FIM at meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences related to FIM research. Prepare reports and analytical products for granting agencies, state and federal fishery managers, and other scientists. Perform data requests in a timely manner. Mentor, train, and assist FIM staff in data collection and data analysis. Participate in and lead field work associated with both single-day and multi-day trips designed to collect data on young-of-year, subadult and adult life history stages of nekton (fishes and macro-crustaceans) and their associated habitats. Participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate. Perform other related work as required and assist in other Institute activities as requested.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS Pro, SAS, and Adobe Pro

Knowledge of statistical techniques for assessing single and multi-species processes

Knowledge of sampling designs, methods and gears used for collection of fisheries independent data

Knowledge of fisheries biology and ecology

Knowledge of young-of-year, subadult and adult fish and invertebrate identification using dichotomous keys (marine and estuarine fishes of the Gulf of America and South Atlantic)

Knowledge of principles of computer coding techniques

Knowledge of principles and basics of relational databases
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently and within a team
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to perform strenuous physical activities under arduous conditions (e.g., inclement weather, rough water, shoreline wading)

Ability to participate in multi-day research cruises (up to 14 days)

Ability to work in excess of 40 hours per week

Skill to safely operate and trailer vessels less than 26' in length

Skill to collect and summarize complex fisheries data from various relational databases and outside sources

Skill to use various software packages to write code to manipulate or analyze data

Skill to develop and design fisheries research studies

Skill to maintain a valid Florida driver’s license

Skill to complete a small boat safety course

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/.

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.