ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072650

Florida; Marathon (FL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Marathon, FL seeks an Associate Research Scientist to lead coral restoration research, manage the in-water nursery, and oversee permits and budgets. The role requires extensive fieldwork, SCUBA diving, and collaboration with FWRI and external partners.

Applicants should have advanced degrees in marine biology or related sciences and a proven record in ecological restoration research, including data analysis and dissemination through reports

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include 8 years in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program, or a master’s with appropriate experience, or a doctorate with reduced experience requirements.
• Preferences favor candidates with marine biological sciences and coral research background and a publication record.
• SCUBA certification is required for field work and related activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as researcher for Restoration Ecology Program and manage field operations and budgets.
• Lead data collection, analyses, and reporting for restoration projects.
• Supervise staff and coordinate field surveys, training, and safety procedures.

Skills

Marine biology

SCUBA certification

Statistical analysis

Point count software

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical or natural sciences or mathematics

Master's degree in physical or natural sciences or mathematics

Doctorate in physical or natural sciences or mathematics

Tools

Point count software

Statistical software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072650

Date: Oct 14, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:885365

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWC - 77072650

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Associate Research Scientist – Career Service Position with Benefits

$2,461.53 Biweekly, $64,000 Annually

2796 Overseas Hwy Suite 119

Marathon, FL 33050

Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Associate Research Scientist - CS77072650

Marathon, Florida - $64,000 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: 8 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 four 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 three 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 and one year of professional experience as described above 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 four 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 and two years of professional experience. Preference may also be given to candidates that have demonstrated experience developing, leading and implementing coral research and/or monitoring projects and a publication record of peer-reviewed manuscripts.

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.

SCUBA certification required.

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.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Position Overview: Serve as researcher for the Keys Fisheries Research Section 0s Restoration Ecology Program at the South Florida Regional Lab in Marathon, Florida. Manage the operation, maintenance and genetic inventory of an in-water coral nursery and oversee adherence to permits and protocols and reporting requirements. Develop and serve as PI on projects both grant funded and focused on the restoration of Florida’s subtropical ecosystems and support other FWRI Restoration Ecology Program projects as needed. Lead scientific studies related to restoration of benthic habitat and communities and oversee award administration and project implementation.

Responsibilities and duties will include: Serve as researcher for the Restoration Ecology Program. Duties include but are not limited to i) Supervising assigned FTE and OPS staff, ii) Developing new directions and vision as required for the future of ecological restoration research in the State of Florida, and iii) Assisting FWRI’s Restoration Ecology Program leader in developing and monitoring annual work budgets and ensuring that expenditures do not exceed spending authority.

Conceive, design, and conduct ecological-related restoration research projects using appropriate experimental designs. Lead, oversee and participate in data collection that follows demographic protocols or uses underwater photography/videography. Field sampling will be conducted underwater and will require maintaining FWRI/AAUS scientific diver status and participating in SCUBA dives. Assist with training exercises to carry out field surveys. Identify coral, octocoral, sponge and other selected taxa in situ or from photographic images of underwater transects using point count software. Plan and assist in mobilizing and demobilizing for all field operations.

Design statistical models and analyze data using advanced statistical techniques to determine trends and statistical significance. Write and co-author progress and comprehensive reports, and publications in peer-reviewed manuscripts. Prepare and make oral presentations at scientific meetings, stakeholder workshops, and professional conferences. Continue or create new cooperative working relationships within FWRI, with other divisions of FWC, and with external organizations, agencies, and partners to expand the research objectives of the Restoration Ecology Program and to ensure coral restoration efforts adhere to best management practices.

Identify sources of external funds and prepare proposals to those granting agencies. Ensure that proposals are designed adhering to recognized statistical and scientific standards. Manage successful grants by serving as Principal Investigator on those grants. Duties include supervising temporary employees, preparing required reports in a timely manner, and tracking budgets. Serve as a scientific assistant, consultant, or technical advisor within governmental agencies utilizing specific research expertise as needed.

Coordinate 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.

Safely operate agency vehicles and vessels to complete research. Assist with or delegate to support staff the procurement and maintenance of diving, field (photographic and video), laboratory, and safety equipment. Assist with emerging needs which may include responding to vessel groundings, oil spills, mortality events, and sponge and coral nursery tasks. Perform other duties as needed to meet the work objectives of FWC including public outreach and education efforts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in: Coral reef, hardbottom and seagrass habitats; Marine organism biology and ecology; Principles of marine experimental design and research; Benthic data survey techniques; Multivariate statistics and statistical software programs; Principles of SCUBA diving and diving safety; Microsoft programs including Excel, Word, Teams

Skill in: Synthesizing information from large datasets; Writing scientifically for technical reports and authoring or co-authoring manuscripts; Developing and conducting statistical analyses; Designing and implementing hypothesis driven research studies; Managing small and large teams to produce effective outcomes and accomplish project goals; SCUBA diving and underwater navigation; Safely trailer and operate marine vessels

Ability to: Write and communicate effectively; Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner; Process information logically and plan, implement and lead projects; Independently coordinate work assignments; Work as a team member to accomplish project goals and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external personnel; Effectively supervise and mentor/train junior staff/personnel; Identify marine organisms, in particular benthic invertebrates, Octocorallia and Scleractinia; Ability and skill to safely trailer and operate vessels smaller than 28' in length; Ability and willingness to work in excess of 40 hours per week when necessary; Ability to conduct strenuous underwater field operations using SCUBA and to meet and/or maintain the American Academy of Underwater Sciences scientific diver standards; Ability to 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.

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.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.