Researcher I

Cherokee FederalGainesville, FL
7d

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

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401K
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