OPS Research Assistant - FWC - 77900947

State of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

On the job trainings

FMLA

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Gainesville, FL is seeking an OPS Assistant Research Scientist to coordinate qualitative research on human–crocodile coexistence. The role includes literature reviews, content analysis of media, and interviews with Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs) to document effective communication approaches.

The position is full‑time (40 hrs/week) for 6 months, with a start date to be determined, and requires strong writing and data analysis skills and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social or natural sciences with two years relevant social science experience.
• Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in social sciences or applied human dimensions preferred.
• Experience designing and conducting qualitative research (interviews, coding, analysis).
• Ability to write peer‑review quality manuscripts.
• Proficiency with qualitative analysis software (MAXQDA/NVivo).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate literature reviews on human–crocodile coexistence.
• Conduct content analysis of media communications.
• Interview Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs) and analyze data.
• Prepare progress reports and final study report.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed venues.

Skills

Qualitative research

Content analysis

Interviews

Qualitative data analysis software

MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Communication skills

Clerical skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related

Master's degree in social sciences or related

Tools

MAXQDA

NVivo

Adobe PDF

Job description

Requisition No: 881017Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionWorking Title: OPS Research Assistant - FWC - 77900947Pay Plan: TempPosition Number: 77900947Salary: $25/hrPosting Closing Date: 08/31/2026Total Compensation Estimator ToolFWC Center for Conservation Social Science Research, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Assistant Research Scientist – OPS Position$25 per hour7386 NW 71st STGainesville, FLFish and Wildlife Research InstituteResearch AssistantOPS 77900947Gainesville, Florida - $25 per hourOur OrganizationThe 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 Gainesville, FL, invites applications for an OPS Assistant Research Scientist to coordinate and participate in research to identify communication-based pathways to improve human–crocodile coexistence. This position involves a literature review to synthesize research on human-crocodile coexistence and communication, conducting a content analysis of media communications to identify messages the public is exposed to, and interviewing Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs) to document communication approaches and identify effective strategies during interactions with homeowners when resolving conflicts. The position is a full-time (40-hrs/week), 6-month appointment with a flexible start date.Minimum Qualifications6 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.Preferred QualificationsPreference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:A graduate degree (MS or PhD) in one of the social sciences or applied human dimensions research.Experience designing and conducting qualitative social science research (e.g., conducting interviews, thematic coding, qualitative data analysis).Lead or co-author of peer-reviewed social science or conservation-related professional journal articles.Ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesize complex academic or technical information.Experience with qualitative software tools such as MAXQDA, NVivo, or similar.Requirements: .Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.To be considered for this position a Cover Letter and Resume MUST be attached to your PeopleFirst Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.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 ResponsibilitiesThe incumbent will be responsible for assisting FWC Conservation Social Science project investigator (PI) in conducting qualitative research relating to communication and public discourse surrounding American crocodiles in South Florida. The incumbent will take lead in preparing a literature review, conducting content analysis, interviewing Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs), analyzing data, publishing data in referred journals and/or peer-reviewed proceedings, and preparing progress reports and a final study report under supervision of PI. Occasional overnight travel is expected for this position.Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesKnowledge of current methods and techniques of qualitative 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 qualitative data analysis software (MAXQDA, Nvivo, or similar)Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe or other PDF softwarePossess good customer service, telephone and clerical skillsAbility to develop and conduct studies, evaluate collected data, and prepare written reports of findings.Ability to analyze qualitative data (open-coding, thematic analysis, content analysis)Ability to write professional, peer-review quality scientific manuscriptsAbility to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.Ability to work independentlyAbility to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlinesAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with othersAbility to work in a confidential environment.High attention to detailPossess strong organizational skillsWhy should I apply?BenefitsThe Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: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 BiweeklyLow Cost $25,000 Life InsuranceOPS FICA Alternative Retirement PlanOn the Job TrainingsFamily 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.