Scientist IV

Cherokee Federal; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherokee Federal seeks a Scientist IV to advance coastal and marine research in St. Petersburg, FL. You will collect, process, and publish oceanographic data, develop computational tools and models, and operate oceanographic instrumentation in support of coastal science programs.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree and 7+ years in the field, with strong MATLAB/Python skills and a proven ability to work independently on field and data-driven research activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in coastal engineering, oceanography, coastal geology, marine science, or related field.
• At least seven years of experience in the field or a related area.
• Demonstrable programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• Experience developing scripts or computational tools for scientific models and data analysis.
• Experience developing, applying, or evaluating numerical models and interpreting model output.
• Experience analyzing datasets that vary across space and time, including documenting methods and results.
• Experience with scientific data collection and fieldwork.
• Ability to identify data-quality issues, maintain organized electronic documentation, and communicate scientific results clearly.
• Familiarity with oceanographic instrumentation, associated software, and field equipment practices.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, analyze, document, and support publication of oceanographic field data.
• Develop scripts and computational tools for data processing, analysis, visualization, and numerical modeling using MATLAB, Python, or other approved tools.
• Develop and apply numerical models using established scientific and industry best practices. Review model files and outputs for quality and accuracy.
• Analyze and merge spatially and temporally varying datasets across multiple scales. Document completed datasets in electronic form.
• Identify defects or anomalies in collected data and perform appropriate data-quality checks.
• Prepare analyses, statistics, figures, and other materials for reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Support dissemination of field data and numerical model output through reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, data releases, and other products in accordance with applicable protocols.
• Conduct scientific literature and data searches to inform research methods, analyses, and interpretation.
• Support the maintenance, development, deployment, operation, and retrieval of oceanographic instrumentation and associated software, as needed.
• Inspect instrumentation and software before deployment and after retrieval; document equipment condition and field activities.
• Participate in fieldwork and follow applicable instructions and safety protocols, including those for boating, diving, and equipment handling when relevant to assigned work.
• Communicate progress, results, and completed data-processing tasks to the technical representative and project team.
• Support preparation of analyses and figures for field-data assessment and initial drafts of research products in line with task-order schedules.
• Provide information needed for monthly task reporting, including work performed and authorized travel or other direct costs, as requested by the program team.
• Drive personal or federal government vehicles for work as needed.
• Complete required agency computer security training and testing and comply with applicable access and security requirements.

Education

Master’s degree in coastal engineering, oceanography, coastal geology, marine science, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Title:

Scientist IV

Job Code:

TC1679

Location:

St. Petersburg, FL

Reports To:

Program Manager

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Prepared Date:

10/27/2026

Supervisory Level:

No formal supervisory authority.

Scientist IV Overview:

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Scientist IV in St. Petersburg, Florida. This position supports research on coastal and marine processes, natural hazards, and potential restoration efforts. The Scientist IV will collect, process, analyze, and publish oceanographic data; develop computational tools and numerical models; work with oceanographic instrumentation; and communicate findings through scientific reports, data releases, and other research products.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Scientist IV Responsibilities Include:

• Collect, process, analyze, document, and support publication of oceanographic field data.
• Develop scripts and computational tools for data processing, analysis, visualization, and numerical modeling using MATLAB, Python, or other approved tools.
• Develop and apply numerical models using established scientific and industry best practices. Review model files and outputs for quality and accuracy.
• Analyze and merge spatially and temporally varying datasets across multiple scales. Document completed datasets in electronic form.
• Identify defects or anomalies in collected data and perform appropriate data-quality checks.
• Prepare analyses, statistics, figures, and other materials for reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Support dissemination of field data and numerical model output through reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, data releases, and other products in accordance with applicable protocols.
• Conduct scientific literature and data searches to inform research methods, analyses, and interpretation.
• Support the maintenance, development, deployment, operation, and retrieval of oceanographic instrumentation and associated software, as needed.
• Inspect instrumentation and software before deployment and after retrieval; document equipment condition and field activities.
• Participate in fieldwork and follow applicable instructions and safety protocols, including those for boating, diving, and equipment handling when relevant to assigned work.
• Communicate progress, results, and completed data-processing tasks to the technical representative and project team.
• Support preparation of analyses and figures for field-data assessment and initial drafts of research products in line with task-order schedules. The performance work statement identifies approximate nine-month milestones tied to receipt of data or the start of model development or data analysis.
• Provide information needed for monthly task reporting, including work performed and authorized travel or other direct costs, as requested by the program team.
• Drive personal or federal government vehicles for work as needed. The performance work statement estimates driving about once a month, usually for fewer than 10 miles, with infrequent longer trips.
• Complete required agency computer security training and testing and comply with applicable access and security requirements.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities Requested:

• Master’s degree in coastal engineering, oceanography, coastal geology, marine science, or a related field required.
• At least seven years of experience in the field or a related area required.
• Experience collecting, processing, analyzing, and publishing oceanographic data.
• Demonstrable programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• Experience developing scripts or computational tools for scientific models and data analysis.
• Experience developing, applying, or evaluating numerical models and interpreting model output.
• Experience analyzing datasets that vary across space and time, including documenting methods and results.
• Experience with scientific data collection and fieldwork.
• Experience preparing publication-quality figures and presentations and conducting scientific literature or data searches.
• Ability to identify data-quality issues, maintain organized electronic documentation, and communicate scientific results clearly.
• Familiarity with oceanographic instrumentation, associated software, and field equipment practices.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound scientific judgment, and collaborate with Government staff and research teams.
• Ability to follow field safety procedures and applicable agency protocols.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:

Cherokee Federal is a trusted team of government contracting professionals who rapidly build innovative and advanced solutions across environmental science, immigration, national security and intelligence, cybersecurity, health care, and logistics. Cherokee Federal is owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses, and 100% of profits support Cherokee Nation citizens through health care, education, and job creation. To learn more, visit cherokee-federal.com.

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.

Additional Information:

#CherokeeFederal #LI #DH1

Cherokee Federal is a military-friendly employer. Veterans and active military members transitioning to civilian careers are encouraged to apply.

Keywords:

• Oceanographic Data Analysis
• Coastal and Marine Science
• Numerical Modeling
• MATLAB
• Python

Similar Job Titles:

• Coastal Oceanographer
• Marine Research Scientist
• Coastal Modeler
• Oceanographic Data Scientist
• Coastal Geologist