About the role
Requisition No: 885227
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS Research Associate - 77907762
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 77907762
Salary: $25/hour
Posting Closing Date: 11/05/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FWC Center for Conservation Social Science Research, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Research Associate – OPS Position
$25 per hour
100 8th Ave SE
St. Petersburg, FL
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Research Associate - OPS 77907762
St. Petersburg, Florida - $25 per hour
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.
The Center for Conservation Social Science Research team (CSSR) of the FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, FL, invites applications for an OPS Research Associate to coordinate and conduct applied social science research focusing on marine mammal conservation. This position will work closely with the FWRI Marine Mammal Research team to develop and conduct social science research projects that inform the conservation of marine mammal species in Florida. The position is a full-time (40-hrs/week).
Minimum Qualifications:
6 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 described above;
or
A doctorate 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 Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
Advanced degree(s) with major course of study in one of the social sciences or applied human dimensions research
Experience working with wildlife/marine mammal conservation related research
Experience serving independently as lead on a social science research project
Experience with both quantitative and qualitative social science research methodologies
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 participate within FWC marine mammal conservation planning and analytical research teams providing expertise in social science methods and technical information in support of program conservation objectives. The duties include but are not limited to: participatory planning, organizing and project management, and serving as a technical advisor. Work may involve coordinating robust, multi-disciplinary research, implementing complex surveys and other social science techniques, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. In alignment with priorities and marine mammal research program approval, analytical research findings may lead to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, correspondence, or meeting presentations. Works closely with agency marine mammal research staff in planning, organizing, and executing multiple strategies to engage stakeholders statewide and providing decision-support to wildlife managers. Occasional overnight travel.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of current methods and techniques of 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 Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Pro
Experience with SPSS, R, or equivalent statistical package.
Possess good customer service, telephone and clerical skills
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Ability to develop and conduct studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written reports of findings.
Ability to work cooperatively with multiple internal teams, academia, and the private sector to conduct research.
Ability to work independently
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines
Ability to act on changing priorities and responsibilities
Ability to organize and file documents
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to work in a confidential environment.
High attention to detail
Possess strong organizational skills
Why should I apply?
The 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 Biweekly
Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan
On the Job Trainings
Family 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.