Requisition No: 885227
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Research Associate - 77907762
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907762
Salary: $25/hour
Posting Closing Date: 11/05/2026
FWC Center for Conservation Social Science Research, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
$25 per hour
100 8th Ave SE
Research Associate - OPS 77907762
St. Petersburg, Florida - $25 per hour
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.
The Center for Conservation Social Science Research team (CSSR) of the FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for an OPS Research Associate to coordinate and conduct applied social science research focusing on marine mammal conservation. This position will work closely with the FWRI Marine Mammal Research team to develop and conduct social science research projects that inform the conservation of marine mammal species in Florida. The position is a full-time (40-hrs/week).
6 years professional experience in a closely related social science or human dimensions field required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the social sciences or physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience in social science or human dimensions of natural resource management 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 social sciences or human dimensions can substitute for the required experience described above;
or
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the social sciences or human dimensions can substitute for the required experience.
Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Advanced degree(s) with major course of study in one of the social sciences or applied human dimensions research
Experience working with wildlife/marine mammal conservation related research
Experience serving independently as lead on a social science research project
Experience with both quantitative and qualitative social science research methodologies
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. 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.
The incumbent will participate within FWC marine mammal conservation planning and analytical research teams providing expertise in social science methods and technical information in support of program conservation objectives. The duties include but are not limited to: participatory planning, organizing and project management, and serving as a technical advisor. Work may involve coordinating robust, multi-disciplinary research, implementing complex surveys and other social science techniques, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. In alignment with priorities and marine mammal research program approval, analytical research findings may lead to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, correspondence, or meeting presentations. Works closely with agency marine mammal research staff in planning, organizing, and executing multiple strategies to engage stakeholders statewide and providing decision-support to wildlife managers. Occasional overnight travel.
Knowledge of current methods and techniques of applied natural resources social science research, data collection, and analysis.
Knowledge and experience with research design, implementation, data analysis, and reporting techniques.
Knowledge of fish/ wildlife conservation and management programs.
Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Pro
Experience with SPSS, R, or equivalent statistical package.
Possess good customer service, telephone and clerical skills
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Ability to develop and conduct studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written reports of findings.
Ability to work cooperatively with multiple internal teams, academia, and the private sector to conduct research.
Ability to work independently
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines
Ability to act on changing priorities and responsibilities
Ability to organize and file documents
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to work in a confidential environment.
High attention to detail
Possess strong organizational skills
Why should I apply?
*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)
For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.
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.
Join Florida’s talented workforce to fulfill your professional goals and achieve a meaningful career. Our talented public servants work hard to serve more than 19 million residents across Florida, and you, too, can realize success in the Sunshine State.
Working in Florida’s state government means being responsive to the issues impacting the taxpayers of our state. Florida’s state government boasts both fast-paced work environments in which critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must as well as steady employment opportunities that prize consistent service to our state’s residents. In some positions, state employment means being able to influence policy decisions and help implement change. In others, state employment means being the reliable resource that our taxpayers have come to expect from Florida’s public servants. All positions offer the ability to gain valuable experience quickly, improving your overall skillset. The State of Florida is seeking individuals with leadership skills, creativity and dedication to their fellow Floridians and individuals who recognize the professional development opportunities and achievements possible through state service.
Florida boasts the third largest population in the country and is richly diverse in both population and landscape. With an award-winning park system, warm weather and beautiful bodies of water, Florida is the perfect environment for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Our favorable tax climate means your income goes further and our business-friendly policies foster private sector growth. Joining Florida’s talented, diverse workforce provides the opportunity to achieve your professional goals while living in a state that values quality of life, culture and recreation. For employment opportunities with the State of Florida, visit https://jobs.myflorida.com.
