Researcher IV

Cherokee Federal•Gainesville, FL

6d•$62,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join our team in Gainesville, FL. Help safeguard U.S. aquatic ecosystems by curating invasive species data, performing literature reviews, validating taxonomy, and writing species profiles that drive early detection, rapid response, and long-term management. Compensation & Benefits: Estimated Starting Salary Range for Researcher IV: $62,000 Pay commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Requirements

Master’s degree in biology or a related field (required).
Strong knowledge of aquatic plant and animal identification and ecology.
Experience with invasive species scientific literature and technical writing.
Familiarity with relational databases and data entry QA/QC practices.
Ability to work independently within established procedures and timelines.
Competence in geo-referencing and spatial data concepts (lat/long, HUCs).
Experience resolving taxonomic issues; knowledge of ITIS/WoRMS nomenclature standards.
Excellent communication skills for collaborating with agencies and researchers.
Ability to sit for extended periods; lift light-to-moderate office materials; standard office hours on site.
Willingness to complete safety and IT training; occasional travel as needed.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

Enter, quality-control, and geo-reference nonindigenous aquatic species data (lat/long, HUC) following SOPs.
Perform literature reviews; find and enter museum, state DNR, and online data sources.
Write and revise technical species profiles and fact sheets (introductions, biology, distribution).
Contact agencies and scientists to acquire new data and clarify records.
Confirm species identity using morphological and genetic data; resolve taxonomic ambiguities.
Ensure nomenclature aligns with standards (e.g., ITIS, WoRMS); update synonyms and classifications.
Add authoritative taxonomic metadata to species profiles (higher classification, native range, pathways).
Conduct routine data quality checks across NAS records and datasets.
Support meetings, scanning, document organization, and standard office tasks.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.