RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FWC - 77072846

Requisition No: 867039 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FWC - 77072846

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072846 

Salary:  $45,000 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 01/04/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Office of Human Resources

Research Associate  – Career Service Position with Benefits

$1,730.77 Biweekly, $45,000 Annually

100 8th Ave SE

Saint Petersburg, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute/Marine Mammals

Research Associate - CS 77072846

Saint 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:

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 who possess 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; Applicants with any of the following demonstrated experiences are encouraged to apply and may be given preference: applying scientific programming languages, such as R and Python; processing, managing, and analyzing AIS vessel traffic data or other large geospatial databases; developing and managing web mapping and data visualization applications; conducting ecological analyses using hierarchical models, such as distance sampling, mark-recapture, and spatial capture-recapture; and conducting spatial analysis using GIS software. Preference may also be given to candidates that have demonstrated experience with scientific project management, implementing wildlife conservation research and/or monitoring projects, candidates who have experience with fish and wildlife data collection and analysis, and natural resource and relational database management.

Requirements:

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

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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is seeking a Research Associate within the North Atlantic right whale research team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and analyzing right whale and vessel traffic spatial and relational databases to improve knowledge of the distribution of right whales and the threats they face in the Southeastern U.S. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing and managing web mapping applications to serve relevant spatial data to collaborators and other stakeholders. Additionally, the successful candidate may have supervisory responsibilities. 

Applicants with any of the following demonstrated experiences are encouraged to apply and may be given preference: applying scientific programming languages, such as R and Python; processing, managing, and analyzing AIS vessel traffic data or other large geospatial databases; developing and managing web mapping and data visualization applications; and conducting ecological analyses using hierarchical models, such as distance sampling, mark-recapture, and spatial capture-recapture.

Applicants must apply at the posting link to be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position include knowledge of marine mammal ecology, GIS methods and programs (ArcGIS Pro), scientific programming, spatial analysis techniques, data management principles. Ability to maintain, process, analyze, and interpret spatial and relational data using GIS and scientific programming languages. Skill in the use of personal computers, low code tools, GIS technology, scientific programming, and databases. Knowledge of wildlife biology, terminology, principles and techniques used in conservation research on wildlife species. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, plan and organize work assignments with minimal supervision, and communicate effectively with staff. Ability to effectively supervise others.

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/.

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.

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.