Associate Research Scientist

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Requisition No: 869749

Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST -

Pay Plan:
Career Service

Position Number:

Salary: $64,000 Annually

Posting Closing Date: 02/27/2026

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FWC Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Associate Research Scientist – Career Service Position With Benefits

$2,461.54 Biweekly, $64,000 Annually

2796 Overseas Hwy Suite 119, Marathon, FL 33050

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Associate Research Scientist – CS

Marathon, Florida - $64,000 Annually

Pending Vacancy

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission:
Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long‑term well‑being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science‑informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

• 8 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 four years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics.
• Or a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and three years of professional experience as described above.
• Or a doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and one year of professional experience as described above 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 marine biological sciences and four years of professional experience related to the position responsibilities and duties.
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience.
• Preference may also be given to candidates that have demonstrated experience developing, leading and implementing coral research and/or monitoring projects and a publication record of peer‑reviewed manuscripts.

• A cover letter and CV/Resume must be submitted with your People First application. Applications missing a cover letter and/or CV/Resume will not be considered.
• 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. This position is stationed in Marathon, FL and is not eligible for telework.
• 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.

• Serve as the team lead for Fish and Wildlife Research Institute coral restoration science operations based out of the South Florida Regional Lab in Marathon, Florida. The role combines hands‑on scientific research, data analysis, reporting, and technical leadership with stakeholder outreach and support of managers to ensure coral restoration efforts follow best management practices and advance FWRI’s research and conservation objectives.
• Lead the implementation of coral restoration science along Florida’s Coral Reef in collaboration closely with FWRI Principal Investigators in the Coral Program and the Restoration Ecology Program. Develop,…