Job Description

Requisition No: 867849

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 77072941

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072941

Salary: $58,000 Annually

Posting Closing Date: 02/27/2026

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FWC Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Assistant Research Scientist – Career Service Position with Benefits

$2,230.77 Biweekly, $58,000 Annually

2796 Overseas Hwy Suite 119

Marathon, FL 33050

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute - Coral

Assistant Research Scientist - CS 779072941

Pending Relocation to Marathon, Florida - $58,000 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:

7 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 three 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 two 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 can substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the marine biological sciences and three 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.

Preference may also be given to candidates that have demonstrated experience implementing coral research projects and/or nursery management.

Requirements:

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.

and Responsibilities:

Serve as the FWRI coral field operations coordinator at the South Florida Regional Lab in Marathon, Florida. Manage the FWRI coral in-water nursery and participate in agency coral restoration projects.

Please note FWRI is currently advertising 2 coral FTE positions based in Marathon: Assistant Research Scientist #779072941 (this posting) and Associate Research Scientist #779072584.

Responsibilities and duties will include:

Coordinate field operations for FWRI’s coral research, monitoring, and restoration activities along Florida’s Coral Reef. Specifically, mobilize and demobilize coral field operations for restoration science studies and projects like the Coral Reef Evaluation & Monitoring Project (CREMP) and Disturbance Response Monitoring (DRM). Facilitate and organize the completion of administrative, programmatic, and logistical tasks to ensure all the operational components (e.g., service and maintenance of SCUBA gear, sampling equipment, or vehicles, vessels, and trailers) are in good standing and prepared for scheduled field activities.

Act as FWRI’s in-situ coral nursery manager. Primary duties include conducting in-water coral husbandry activities and monitoring the nursery as outlined by FWC/FKNMS Protocols for the Management of In-Water Coral Nurseries andrelevant permits , collaborating and liaising with partners and stakeholders as needed, maintaining infrastructure and equipment associated with the in-water coral nursery. Report on nursery activities via Survey123 software monthly.

Assist the Associate Research Scientist #779072584 (currently accepting applications) with conducting field operations for coral restoration projects. Participate in training exercises to carry out field surveys and other coral field activities as directed.

Assist with analyzing data collected from the field and laboratory projects using appropriate statistical techniques as directed. Assist with writing and co-authoring progress and comprehensive reports and manuscripts. Opportunity to prepare and make oral presentations at scientific meetings and professional conferences.

Manage and safely operate agency vehicles and vessels to complete research activities and maintain proficiency as FWRI/AAUS scientific diver. Promote and participate in South Florida Regional Lab and FWRI public efforts.

May supervise OPS, interns, or volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in: Marine biology and/or ecology; Coral reef ecology and biology; Principles of marine experimental design and research; Coral collection, husbandry, propagation and transport practices; Benthic data survey techniques; Principles of SCUBA diving and diving safety.

Skill in: Organizational and communication skills; the identification of reef organisms, in particular Scleractinia; SCUBA diving and underwater navigation;

Ability to: Write and communicate effectively; Manage logistics and details to ensure field crews are prepared for the day’s operations; Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner; Process information logically and plan, prepare and implement projects; Independently coordinate work assignments; Work as a team member to accomplish project goals and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external personnel; Identify reef organisms, in particular benthic invertebrates and Scleractinia; Perform strenuous field duties that require swimming or SCUBA diving in potentially adverse conditions; Swim with sufficient skill to save one’s self in an emergency; Participate in research expeditions that require extended travel and long work hours; Meet and/or maintain the American Academy of Underwater Sciences scientific diver standards, obtain mixed gas (NITROX) certification; Effectively supervise or mentor/train staff/personnel;Maintain and safely operate boats, trailers and related equipment; Meet and/or maintain FWC safe boating practices/certifications and safely trailer and operate vessels less than 28’ in length.

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees 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. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly

No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance

Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year

4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly

Retirement Plan Options

State University and College Tuition Waiver Program

On the Job Trainings

Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.

Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.