Research Scientist Jobs in Florida

Requisition No: 882258

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072893

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072893

Salary: $58,000, annually

Posting Closing Date: 09/08/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC FWRI – Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Associate Research Scientist – Career Service Position with Benefits

$2,230.76 Biweekly, $58,000 Annually

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL, 33709

Anticipated Vacancy

Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Associate Research Scientist - CS 77072893

St. Petersburg, FL - $58,000 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:
8 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory 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 four years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or

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 and three years of professional experience as described above; or

A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and one year of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
One or more years of working for the State of Florida or another government agency

One or more years of experience as a supervisor of a large team

Knowledge of Fisheries Dependent Monitoring data collection and analysis

Experience and knowledge of recreational fisheries surveys, such as MRIP

Previous collaboration on scientific publications and data analysis

Knowledge of basic coding and data management software

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.

Occasional work hours in excess of 40 per week, nights, and weekends due to deadline requirements and/or travel (potential for both in and out of state)

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.

Completed application including cover letter and resume.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing project support for the Fisheries Dependent Monitoring recreational surveys including but not limited to MRIP, SRFS, and other novel projects. The duties include but not limited to:

Supervise and coordinate the statewide conduct recreational fishing surveys, including the Marine Recreational Information Program and the For-Hire Telephone Survey. Manage site and vessel registers and deliver monthly updates to the grant agency; generate and distribute monthly sampling schedules to regional supervisors and coordinators, monitor weekly progress towards statewide recreational survey quotas, and report progress to grant agency; Issue data forms for weekly telephone survey to supervisors and coordinators in each region of the state, monitor progress, conduct Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) on submitted data, and deliver clean data files to grant agency.

Produce data summaries and write grant reports. Conduct analyses to evaluate survey response rates and sampler productivity, identify methods and procedures for improving the productivity of sampling efforts, and recommend solutions to regional and federal partners. Represent the Agency in meetings and workgroups with state, regional and national partners to review data and receive information on new procedures to be implemented in statewide surveys. Assist with the design, testing, and development of new fishery dependent survey designs, and work with Agency staff to modify and improve existing surveys.

Provide guidance and supervision of field supervisors in each region of the state and oversee their routine hiring, training, supervising, and conduct of quality control checks of staff in the field. Conduct annual performance reviews with FTE supervisors.

Perform other duties related to program and facility functions as requested by section supervisor. Participate in appropriate outreach activities, including providing outreach materials to recreational anglers during the conduct of recreational fishing surveys.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques used in scientific research and data analysis

Knowledge of methods of collecting and analyzing statistically valid data

Knowledge and skill with equipment used in field data collection

Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices and procedures with the ability to effectively supervise staff

Coding and scientific writing skills

Ability to aid in the design and maintenance of databases

Ability to perform univariate and multivariate statistical analyses

Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to scientific methods

Ability to maintain a valid driver's license

Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments

Ability to write technical reports and communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Ability to work independently

Problem-solving techniques

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures

Possess good customer service, telephone and clerical skills
Ability and desire to work in an extremely fast-paced, team environment
Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines

Ability to act on changing priorities and responsibilities while maintaining high attention to detail

Ability to work in a confidential environment.

Possess strong organizational skills

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. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Location:
ST PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33701 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33703 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33712 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33716 ST PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33711 ST. PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33702 ST. PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33710 ST. PETERSBURG, FL, US, 33731

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Nearest Major Market: Tampa