OPS Research Assistant - 77907520

State of Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

4d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

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.
Complete field work, laboratory analyses, data analyses, and written assignments for various research projects in the Coastal Wetlands Research Program in the Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration Section. Specific duties to include: Perform field work related to biological research in coastal wetlands and oyster reefs (including packing, maintenance of equipment, and oversight of data entry). Conduct laboratory analyses, including loss-on-ignition analysis of soil samples, analysis of dissolved organic carbon concentration of water samples, and elemental analysis of soil and plant matter. Supervise interns, volunteers and/or technicians and delegate project tasks; Oversee laboratory activities and provide training to staff and interns on methods and quality control standards. Assist with report and manuscript preparation and writing tasks, including text and visual elements. Coordinate vehicle safety and maintenance tasks and submit monthly vehicle logs; Complete field work in local (Tampa Bay) efforts as well as overnight travel to other regions of Florida; Complete data entry; Participate in scientific and public outreach activities as appropriate, including MarineQuest.
This position is for 40 hours/week. Although most work will be conducted during normal business hours, evening and weekend work may be required for some time-sensitive tasks and field efforts. Some overnight travel (up to 25% of time) for field duties may be required.
This temporary position is supported by state and federal funding sources. Continued employment is dependent upon annual funding availability and renewal of associated grants. Current funding is anticipated through June 30 2027, but could be extended pending new funding sources.

Requirements

• 4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field, laboratory program, physical or natural sciences, or mathematics 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 can substitute for the required experience.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
• This is an in-person position, based at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, FL.
• Although most work will be conducted during normal business hours, evening and weekend work may be required for some time-sensitive tasks.
• Some overnight travel (up to 25% of time) for field duties may be required.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in scientific research, statistical analysis, or testing
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection, including the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment
• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Ability to conduct scientific research, studies or analyses using scientific methods and techniques
• Ability to collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to scientific research
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data and utilize problem-solving techniques
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively
• Ability to conduct outdoor field work in coastal wetlands and lift 50 lbs.
• Proficient skills with personal computers and Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences.
• Experience in performing field work or laboratory work associated with estuarine or coastal wetland science.
• Experience trailering and operating small vessels up to 24 ft in length.

Responsibilities

• Perform field work related to biological research in coastal wetlands and oyster reefs (including packing, maintenance of equipment, and oversight of data entry)
• Conduct laboratory analyses, including loss-on-ignition analysis of soil samples, analysis of dissolved organic carbon concentration of water samples, and elemental analysis of soil and plant matter
• Supervise interns, volunteers and/or technicians and delegate project tasks
• Oversee laboratory activities and provide training to staff and interns on methods and quality control standards
• Assist with report and manuscript preparation and writing tasks, including text and visual elements
• Coordinate vehicle safety and maintenance tasks and submit monthly vehicle logs
• Complete field work in local (Tampa Bay) efforts as well as overnight travel to other regions of Florida
• Complete data entry
• Participate in scientific and public outreach activities as appropriate, including MarineQuest

Benefits

• Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
• Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
• Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
• OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan
• On the Job Trainings
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level