Research Associate-Fwc

Research Associate-FWC -

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Requisition No: 882505 Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title:

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FWC -  Pay Plan:
Career Service Position Number:  Salary: $45,000 Annually Posting Closing Date: 09/15/2026 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Marine Fisheries Research / Fisheries-Independent Monitoring program $45,000 Annually 100 8th Ave SE St Petersburg, FL Internal Agency Only current FWC employees will be considered at this time Research Associate - CS  Pending Location Change to St. Petersburg, Florida - $45,000 Annually

Our organization:
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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Currently an FWC employee. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in fisheries-independent data collection, management, and analysis. Proficiency in geographic software.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The FWC is seeking an individual with strong fisheries and quantitative skills to fill a Research Associate position in its Marine Fisheries Research, Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. This position will be expected to participate in all aspects of Florida's Fisheries-Independent Monitoring program. With emphasis on coordinating, conducting, and leading statistically valid research surveys in estuarine and marine waters on various sized boats to evaluate relative abundance of fish stocks, age composition, movement, growth, and health.

They will collect physical, biological, optical and acoustic data following defined procedures. The incumbent will be responsible for project implementation, sampling, data management, data summaries, and report writing. Duties will include but are not limited to:
Project implementation and data management of various FIM research projects following strict QA/QC protocols. Fish and invertebrate identifications using a microscope and/or video camera. Assist with preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations. Statistically analyze data from FIM program sampling projects to describe both single-species and community structure processes. Present results and represent FWC/FWRI/FIM at meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences related to FIM research.

Prepare reports and analytical products for granting agencies, state and federal fishery managers, and other scientists. Perform data requests in a timely manner. Mentor, train, and assist FIM staff in data collection and data analysis. Participate in and lead field work associated with both single-day and multi-day trips designed to collect data on young-of-year, subadult and adult life history stages of nekton (fishes and macro-crustaceans) and their associated habitats.

Participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate. Perform other related work as required and assist in other Institute activities as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS Pro, SAS, and Adobe Pro Knowledge of statistical techniques for assessing single and multi-species processes Knowledge of sampling designs, methods and gears used for collection of fisheries independent data Knowledge of fisheries biology and ecology Knowledge of young-of-year, subadult and adult fish and invertebrate identification using dichotomous keys (marine and estuarine fishes of the Gulf of America and…