"Alerted.org

OPS Research Associate - 77901610

Date: Jan 8, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) .

Requisition No: 867670

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Associate - 77901610

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77901610

Salary: $25 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 01/26/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Research Associate – OPS Position

$25 per hour

2796 Overseas Hwy. Suite 119

Marathon, FL

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Research Associate - OPS 77901610

Marathon, FL - $25 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.

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 with the following qualifications:

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences.

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. The hired candidate may be required to work outside of these hours or on weekends when field work requires it. Not eligible for Telework.

Must be a certified SCUBA diver.

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:

This position serves as a staff member of the Florida Keys based Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Finfish Research Team. This team conducts biological research related to reef fish and their fisheries in the Florida Keys. The general role of this position within the team is to collect, manage and analyze data, synthesize results, and produce a range of final products under the direction of the team leader.

Specific duties include:

Participate in data collection activities in the field and laboratory. Underwater data collection requires participation in SCUBA diving.

Establish and maintain databases associated with the program's research projects including data entry and quality assurance.

Analyze data collected from the program's field and laboratory projects using appropriate statistical techniques

Assist in the preparation of scientific technical reports, manuscripts, project summaries, grant writing and other products suitable for identifying new research needs and representing the entire range of management interests.

Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, public outreach, etc. as well as develop other scientific communication products for websites and/or social media.

Operate and maintain research vessels in coordination with other field staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles and techniques used in scientific research, experimental design and statistical analysis of large-scale surveys, fish population, and fisheries data

Proficient in the use of personal computers and associated database, spreadsheet, presentation, GIS (ArcPro) and statistical software (R, RStudio)

Ability to provide and interpret fisheries information from a state or regional sources for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other relevant management agencies.

Skilled in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment, particularly those used in life history and underwater fish data collection programs.

Working familiarity with active and passive acoustic data analysis.

Ability to identify marine flora, finfish, and invertebrate fauna that occur in the Florida Keys.

Ability to work independently, complete tasks in a timely manner, and utilize problem-solving techniques.

Understand, review, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to fisheries resource management, present scientific methods, and results to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Ability to perform strenuous field duties under potentially adverse weather conditions and to lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs. and endure long work hours and extensive periods of time in the field.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, colleagues, resource users, community members, and additional agency partners.

Must be a certified SCUBA and NITROX diver and be able to qualify as a FWRI/AAUS certified diver which includes the ability to pass a swim test and a medical evaluation.

Demonstrate the ability to safely trailer and operate vessels smaller than 26' in length and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.

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.

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

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.

Location:

MARATHON, FL, US, 33050

Nearest Major Market:Key West