Requisition No: 800831
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC – 77070463
Position Number: 77070463
Salary: $55,899 annually
Posting Closing Date: 05/17/2023
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
Section/Subsection: Marine Fisheries Research/Fisheries Independent Monitoring
Location: St. Petersburg – Pinellas County
Salary: $55,899.22 Annually
Closing date is midnight: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Open Competitive Opportunity
The FWC is seeking an individual with strong fisheries and quantitative skills to fill an Associate Research Scientist position in its Marine Fisheries Research, Fisheries-Independent Monitoring Program. This position will be expected to participate in all aspects of Florida’s Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program, with an emphasis on data analysis of estuarine and marine fish populations and program-wide statistical programming needs.
DUTIES:
- Statistically analyze data from FIM program sampling projects to describe both single-species and community structure processes. Analyses will be focused on state and federally assessed reef fishes, but some opportunity for estuarine data analyses may arise. Present analytical results and represent FWC/FWRI/FIM at meetings, SEDAR workshops, and scientific conferences related to fisheries research. Prepare reports for grant agencies, fishery managers and other scientists. Write and submit manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals that summarize results. Mentor, train, and assist other FIM staff in data analyses, and in the publication and presentation of FIM data. Assist other FWC staff in the use and analysis of FIM program data as directed.
- Assist in maintaining, updating, and creating computer codes (in various coding languages) that are used by the FIM program for data QA/QC, summaries, analyses, reports, etc.
- Suggest new surveys and studies that complement and enhance existing surveys, with emphasis on offshore habitats. Take the lead and assist in the preparation of research proposals.
- Participate in field work associated with both single-day and multi-day (up to fourteen days at sea) trips designed to collect data on young-of-year, subadult and adult life history stages of nekton (fishes and macro-crustaceans) and their associated habitats. Participate in the collection of data on distribution, abundance, size structure, growth, reproduction and other population and life-history characteristics of estuarine fishes. Mentor, train, and assist other FIM staff in sampling methodology and data collection.
- Perform other related work as required and assist in other Institute activities as requested. Promote and participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in one of the life or natural sciences and four years of professional experience in fisheries research; or a master’s degree in one of the life, natural or quantitative sciences and three years of professional experience in fisheries research; or a doctorate in one of the life, natural or quantitative sciences and one year of professional experience in fisheries research.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Applicants with a MS or Ph.D. and a strong background in fisheries analyses may be given preference.
- Applicants with at least two (2) peer-reviewed publications, of which at least one (1) is as lead author, may be given preference.
- Applicants who can demonstrate proficiency in coding in R and/or SAS may be given preference.
- Applicants with a proven record in applying for and obtaining grant funding may be given preference.
- Applicants with a familiarity with the analysis of trophodynamics data may be given preference.
NOTE:
- Candidates selected for interviews are expected to present a seminar of their relevant research and experiences. Travel expenses to the interview are the candidate’s responsibility.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit an example of data science/analysis code with their application materials.
Required Entry-Level Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities:
- Knowledge of:
- Statistical techniques for assessing single and multi-species processes
- Sampling designs, methods and gears used for collection of fisheries independent data
- Fisheries biology and ecology
- Reef fish ecology
- Young-of-year, subadult and adult fish and invertebrate identification (Gulf of Mexico) using dichotomous keys
- Principles of computer coding techniques
- Principles and basics of relational databases
- Ability to:
- Perform strenuous physical activities under arduous conditions (e.g., inclement weather, rough water, boat engine exhaust, shoreline wading)
- Skill to:
- Collect and summarize complex fisheries data, from various relational databases and outside sources
- Use various software packages to write code to manipulate or analyze data
- Develop and design fisheries research studies
- Use personal computer and associated software (word processing, spreadsheet, database and statistical)
- Prepare manuscripts and technical reports
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Work in excess of 40 hours per week
- Maintain a valid Florida driver’s license
- Complete small boat safety course within probation period
Nearest Major Market: Tampa
Apply Now: https://jobs.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.