Researcher I

Cherokee Federal•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

Cherokee Federal is hiring a Researcher I (Benthic Ecology) in Gainesville, FL. You will support coastal and offshore field surveys, process benthic sediment samples, maintain saltwater aquaria (including corals), and manage high-quality ecological data that informs conservation and management decisions. This is a field-and-lab role with travel, time at sea, and physically demanding work.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, marine science, or related field; or documented equivalent experience.
6–8 months experience supporting scientific field data collection (including remote locations), database interaction, and maintenance of specialized data loggers.
Ability to identify sediment fauna to at least Phyla level (required).
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (required); familiarity with ArcGIS and/or R is a plus.
Ability to work under supervision in the field and follow established procedures, sampling protocols, and QA/QC requirements.
Valid driver’s license required; ability to serve as a vehicle and boat driver as needed.
Current First Aid and CPR certification required (and ability to complete DOI/USGS safety and IT security training).
Ability to travel on short notice with COR approval; willingness to work offshore and spend prolonged time at sea.
Physical ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs, work in heat/humidity/rain, and tolerate prolonged microscope and computer work; comfortable working around preserved samples (e.g., formaldehyde/alcohol).
Requires an active USAccess clearance or the ability to obtain one
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ArcGIS and/or R is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist with coastal/offshore fieldwork: mobilize boats and gear, deploy sampling equipment, and ensure safe operating condition prior to departure.
Collect biological and environmental data, including sediment cores, water samples, and tissue samples for stable isotope analysis.
Install study plots/transects; support sensor deployment/retrieval, data logging, and documentation.
Process sediment cores, water samples, and tissues in the field; support shipboard activities during ocean research cruises.
Sort and process sediment samples in the lab; identify benthic infauna to at least Phyla level (Class level support as needed).
Prepare samples for shipment and external analyses (e.g., isotope, genetics).
Maintain seawater aquaria systems (corals, fishes, other fauna); monitor water chemistry and provide regular status updates to support husbandry.
Maintain and calibrate field and lab equipment; clean/repair gear; keep samples organized and processed on schedule.
Perform data entry, QA/QC, file transfers, archiving, and metadata updates; review field notes and transcribe to approved datasheets.
Use standard software tools (Windows, Microsoft Office 365; may include ArcGIS and/or R) to manage data, generate graphs, and support summary reporting.
Assist senior staff with executing task-manager-provided programs, producing statistical outputs, and building figures/tables for reports and presentations.
Support literature reviews and assist with initial manuscript drafts (tables/figures) as directed by the USGS Task Manager.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned