ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 77072584

State of Florida • Marathon, FL

1d • $64,000 - $64,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Serve as the team lead for Fish and Wildlife Research Institute coral restoration science operations based out of the South Florida Regional Lab in Marathon, Florida. The role combines hands-on scientific research, data analysis, reporting, and technical leadership with stakeholder outreach and support of managers to ensure coral restoration efforts follow best management practices and advance FWRI’s research and conservation objectives.

Requirements

• 8 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 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.
• Knowledge in: Coral reef taxonomy and systematics; Coral reef ecology and biology; Principles of marine experimental design and research; Coral collection, transport practices; Benthic data survey techniques; Multi-variate statistics and statistical software programs; Data management practices and software; Principles of SCUBA diving and diving safety; Supervisory principles, practices and procedures.
• Skill in: Synthesizing information from large datasets; Writing scientifically for technical reports and authoring or co-authoring manuscripts; Developing and conducting statistical analyses; Designing and implementing hypothesis driven research studies; Managing small and large teams to produce effective outcomes and accomplish project goals; SCUBA diving and underwater navigation.
• Ability to: Write and communicate effectively; Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner; Process information logically and plan, prepare and implement projects; Collect and analyze data and prepare technical reports and manuscripts; Independently coordinate work assignments; Work as a team member to accomplish project goals and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external personnel; Effectively supervise and mentor/train staff/personnel; Identify reef organisms, in particular benthic invertebrates and Scleractinia; Perform strenuous field duties that require swimming or SCUBA diving in potentially adverse conditions; Swim with sufficient skill to save one’s self in an emergency; Participate in research expeditions that require extended travel and long work hours; Meet and/or maintain the American Academy of Underwater Sciences scientific diver standards, obtain mixed gas (NITROX) certification; Maintain and safely operate boats, trailers and related equipment; Meet and/or maintain FWC safe boating practices/certifications and safely trailer and operate vessels less than 28’ in length.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the marine biological sciences and four years of professional experience related to the position responsibilities and duties.
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience.
• Preference may also be given to candidates that have demonstrated experience developing, leading and implementing coral research and/or monitoring projects and a publication record of peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of coral restoration science along Florida’s Coral Reef in collaboration closely with FWRI Principal Investigators in the Coral Program and the Restoration Ecology Program.
• Develop, implement, and oversee scientific protocols to ensure accurate, consistent collection and entry of project data.
• Oversee and participate in field and laboratory data collection, ensuring activities align with each project’s experimental design.
• Lead and participate in training exercises to carry out field surveys and data collection.
• Identify coral, octocoral, sponge and other selected taxa in the field or from photographic images of underwater transects.
• Assist with the mobilization and demobilization of field operations.
• Complete statistical analyses of project data and creation of summary tables and graphics used for annual reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Write and co-author proposals, progress and comprehensive reports, and publications of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Prepare and make oral presentations at scientific meetings, stakeholder workshops, and professional conferences.
• Serve as a coral subject matter expert on review panels and provide technical guidance to other governmental, academic, and private groups for emerging coral reef issues and policies.
• Continue or create new cooperative working relationships within FWRI, with other divisions of FWC, and with external organizations, agencies, and partners to expand the research objectives of the agency and to ensure coral restoration efforts adhere to best management practices.
• Safely operate agency vehicles and vessels to complete research activities and maintain proficiency as FWRI/AAUS scientific diver.
• Assist with other coral projects as directed which may include responding to vessel groundings, oil spills, coral mortality events, in-water and land-based coral nursery maintenance/monitoring assistance, and coral spawning.
• Promote and participate in South Florida Regional Lab and FWRI public efforts.
• Supervise FTE and/or OPS coral staff responsible for assisting with coral research and monitoring projects. Duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, mentoring and reviewing performance with employee, approving timesheets, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level