OPS Research Associate - 77901610

State of Florida • Marathon, FL

9d • $25 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees