ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072726

State of Florida•Saint Petersburg, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
To be considered for this position a Cover Letter and Resume MUST be attached to your PeopleFirst Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
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.
Candidates selected for interviews may be expected to present a seminar of their relevant research and experiences.
Travel expenses to the interview are the candidate’s responsibility.
Candidates are encouraged to submit an example of a manuscript, grant proposal, or data science/analysis code with their initial application materials.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to candidates who possess a master's degree in one of the life, natural or quantitative sciences and three years of professional experience in marine research; or a doctorate in one of the life, natural or quantitative sciences and one year of professional experience in marine research.
Master’s degree and doctoral candidates graduating in December 2026 may be considered.
Applicants with a Ph.D. and a strong background in spatial analyses may be given preference.
Applicants with experience supervising research teams may be given preference.
Applicants with at least two (2) peer-reviewed publications, of which at least one (1) is as lead author, may be given preference.
Applicants with demonstrable experience in Open Science practices may be given preference.
Applicants who can code in various languages (e.g., R, SQL, SAS, Python, .NET, etc.) may be given preference.
Applicants with skills in designing, assembling, programming, and maintaining ocean and ecological observing hardware platforms may be given preference.
Applicants with a proven record in applying, obtaining, and managing budgets for grant funding may be given preference.
Applicants with experience leading boat- and diving-based field work and with a current AAUS Scientific Diving Certification may be given preference.
Applicants with experience using small uncrewed aerial systems (drones) and with a current FAA Part 107 License may be given preference.
Applicants with demonstrable experience using ecosystem modeling software such as EcoPath with EcoSim or Maxent may be given preference.

Responsibilities

Obtain and manage competitive grants as a principal investigator that inform the spatial distribution and interactions of marine organisms relative to habitat use, management zones, environmental conditions, human activities, and restoration activities.
Review and coordinate activities with regional partners that involve marine benthic habitat characterization, mapping, habitat alteration, and restoration activities. Review projects, proposals, and potential management decisions that may impact marine resources when Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing products, acoustics, and emerging technologies are used.
Utilize GIS, remote sensing, acoustics, emerging technologies, and the principles of landscape and marine ecology to support FWC priorities and strategic initiatives. Articulate related marine resource management and research priorities with regional partners.
Conduct field work to validate model predictions, quantify map accuracy, and to maintain ocean observing assets. Promote emerging technologies, such as machine learning pipelines, interactive dashboards, and automated unmanned vehicles, to streamline field activities.
Remain at the forefront of emerging technologies, including deep learning, drones, and spatial modeling to provide resources and support to FWC staff and external collaborators.
Prepare technical and scientific reports, manuscripts, and presentations on results from applied research.
Supervise assigned personnel and monitor annual working budgets.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
Option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.
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.