Requisition No: 829830

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - 77072862

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77072862

Salary: $48,783 annually

Posting Closing Date: 06/04/2024

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC/Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Research Associate - Career Service Position Position with Benefits

$1,876.30 Biweekly, $48,783.80 Annually

Palm Beach County & surrounding counties, FL

Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries Dependent Monitoring

Research Associate - CS 77072862

Tequesta, FL $48,783.80 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:

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 a 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 a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences and two years related experience.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a successful Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

Valid Driver's License.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Fisheries Dependent Monitoring sub-section is seeking a well-qualified applicant to oversee the regional conduct of saltwater recreational fishing surveys in Southeast Florida. The selected candidate will work cooperatively with business owners, representatives of the for-hire charter fishing industry, and the public to maintain high levels of cooperation in voluntary surveys. The candidate will also supervise regional field staff. Assign work schedules, recruit and train field staff, review progress and monitor performance. Conduct quality control and quality assurance tasks for recreational angling surveys, including telephone validations, site visits for updates to site directories, and field checks of regional staff performance during their scheduled assignments. Coordinate collection of fishing trip information from captains of charter boat vessels. Coordinate field validations of charter vessel trips. Compile and enter data per project specifications. Compile, edit, code, and process angler intercept data forms and deliver to program partners as scheduled. Conduct recreational angler surveys at boat docks, public boat ramps, fishing piers and other fishing sites; identify species, measure, and weigh recreational catches; collect biological samples from marine fish for stock assessments and genetic analysis; process samples and data in a timely manner. Participate in appropriate outreach activities, including providing outreach materials to recreational anglers during the conduct of recreational fishing surveys. The qualified applicant will be based at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in Tequesta, FL. They will be responsible for supervising and traveling to the following counties, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade. Any moving expenses incurred from relocation will not be reimbursed by the state. This position will be at least 40 hours per week. To learn more about the project we are hiring for, visit: https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/recreational-fisheries/landings/

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of fish morphology, identification of marine fishes to species, statistical survey sampling methods, data collection, data entry and the principles and practices of effective supervision. Ability to communicate with the public effectively with tact and diplomacy; to gather, maintain, verify and analyze data; maintain field sampling equipment; establish and maintain effective work relationships; supervise others effectively; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicate verbally and in writing and work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends when needed; operate a personal computer; and maintain frequent contact with field staff and supervisors; maintain a valid driver’s license.

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.