OPS Research Assistant - 77907379

State of Florida•Saint Petersburg, FL

8d•$22•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. The Seagrass Ecology laboratory group of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for a full-time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Research Assistant Scientist within the Seagrass Integrated Mapping and Monitoring (SIMM) Program for the Coordinator position. The SIMM Program was developed to protect and manage seagrasses in Florida by providing a collaborative resource for seagrass mapping, monitoring, and data sharing.

Requirements

4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field, laboratory program, physical or natural sciences, or mathematics 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 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.
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.
Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in marine, biological, ecological or environmental science and 1 year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the public and other stakeholders
Ability to communicate effectively and proficiently verbally and in writing
Possess a valid driver’s license
Familiarity with basic principles and techniques used in scientific data collection
Experience in the use of personal computers and software including ArcGIS, R, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to travel occasionally and swim to conduct in-water surveys of estuarine and marine natural resources.

Nice To Haves

1 year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program or a master’s degree in one of the biological sciences
Experience with scientific and/or technical writing experience
Experience with ArcGIS

Responsibilities

Identify, connect and coordinate with statewide seagrass mapping and monitoring partners.
Collect and manage in-water and boat-based field data, and aggregate, analyze, and summarize seagrass data from local, state, and federal programs.
Assist with data collection and other research projects in the Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration (EAR) Seagrass Ecology Laboratory as requested.
Maintain seagrass data consistent with SIMM QAQC protocols.
Use GIS and statistical software analyze data collected by the SIMM Program.
Assist SIMM Program staff to write, publish, and present technical reports, summaries, and manuscripts on seagrass ecology.
Assist with procurement and oversight of SIMM contracts, including scope of work development, deliverable review, and contractor coordination.
Assist with equipment and laboratory maintenance and follow safety protocols for field and laboratory activities.
Operate and maintain FWC vehicles, trailers and research vessels (< 25’) as needed.
Promote and participate in FWC/FWRI public outreach efforts as needed.
Assist with SIMM workshops, presentations, newsletters and web content.
Administrative duties, which include: completing travel documents, submitting timesheets, adhering to purchasing protocols, and providing clear, timely, and effective updates to project team members and supervisor.
Performs other duties as assigned.