RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Requisition No:
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST -
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number:
Salary: $65,460 Annually
Posting Closing Date: 09/23/2025
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FWC Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Research Scientist - Career Service Position with Benefits
$2,517.69 Biweekly, $65,460 Annually
2796 Overseas Hwy, Ste 119
Marathon, FL
Office of Human Resources
Research Scientist - CS
Marathon, Florida - $65,460 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:
9 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 five 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 four years of professional experience as described above; or A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates that candemonstrate the following qualifications:
Experience in marine ecologically based data collection and analysis
Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS).
Proven record of writing, reviewing, and submitting grant proposals, technical reports, and/or peer-reviewed publications.
Familiarity with state and federal agencies, regulations, and policies.
Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills for both professional and public audiences.
Requirements:
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.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will lead and conduct marine restoration research using appropriate experimental designs in the Florida Keys. The duties include but are not limited to:
Lead research teams in restoration research related field sampling.
Lead research teams in restoration research field sampling. Field work is conducted underwater and will require maintaining FWRI/AAUS diver status and participation in SCUBA dives.
Analyze data using advanced statistical techniques to determine statistical significance and population abundance.
Supervise assigned staff, duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, assigning work, approving timesheets, performance review, discipline (if necessary).
Prepare reports for fishery managers and other scientists and publish manuscripts suitable for peer reviewed publications and management activities.
Seek out and prepare high quality proposals for outside funding agencies. Manage funded projects from various sources (state, grants and contracts).
Develop and track working budgets for all projects overseen and ensure that budgets are not exceeded or excessively underspent annually and that grants or contracts are spent completely by the end of their term.
Conduct interviews for vacancies, make personnel action recommendations and ensure compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures.
Lead and participate in the field data collection.
Collect data on distribution, abundance, size structure, growth, and other population characteristics and fisheries issues using above water and underwater sampling techniques. Underwater field research may require participation in SCUBA and operating vessels.
Establish and maintain close relationships with other SFRL researchers and researchers outside of FWC to ensure the FWC research is relevant to the fishery and ecosystem management needs of the Florida Keys.
Perform other related work as required as required and assist in other Institute activities as requested. Promote and participate in public outreach efforts.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to design and implement research studies, coordinate and analyze data and perform statistical analysis.
Coordinate work assignments and prepare technical reports and manuscripts.
Knowledge in the use of PC's, R, (or a PC advanced statistical package); MS office software.
Safely trailer and operate vessels up to 25' in length.
Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel & budget administration.
Maintain SCUBA certification, a valid driver's license, and demonstrate the ability to swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in an emergency.
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing and establish and maintain working relationships with others.
Deal effectively with the public and to supervise people.
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
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 ( ). 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 , 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.
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