OPS Research Assistant - FWC - 77900947

State of Florida•Gainesville, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Conservation Social Science Research team (CSSR) of the FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in Gainesville, FL, invites applications for an OPS Assistant Research Scientist to coordinate and participate in research to identify communication-based pathways to improve human–crocodile coexistence. This position involves a literature review to synthesize research on human-crocodile coexistence and communication, conducting a content analysis of media communications to identify messages the public is exposed to, and interviewing Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs) to document communication approaches and identify effective strategies during interactions with homeowners when resolving conflicts. The position is a full-time (40-hrs/week), 6-month appointment with a flexible start date.

Requirements

6 years professional experience in a closely related social science or human dimensions field required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the social sciences or physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience in social science or human dimensions of natural resource management can substitute for the required experience.
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the social sciences or human dimensions can substitute for the required experience.
Satisfactory Level 1 background check.
Cover Letter and Resume MUST be attached to your PeopleFirst Application.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree (MS or PhD) in one of the social sciences or applied human dimensions research.
Experience designing and conducting qualitative social science research (e.g., conducting interviews, thematic coding, qualitative data analysis).
Lead or co-author of peer-reviewed social science or conservation-related professional journal articles.
Ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesize complex academic or technical information.
Experience with qualitative software tools such as MAXQDA, NVivo, or similar.

Responsibilities

Assisting FWC Conservation Social Science project investigator (PI) in conducting qualitative research relating to communication and public discourse surrounding American crocodiles in South Florida.
Preparing a literature review.
Conducting content analysis.
Interviewing Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs).
Analyzing data.
Publishing data in referred journals and/or peer-reviewed proceedings.
Preparing progress reports and a final study report under supervision of PI.