Assistant Research Scientist – OPS Position: Waterfowl & Waterbird Research

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Assistant Research Scientist – OPS Position 77907188

Gainesville, Florida, USA - $27 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.

Minimum qualifications: 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 three years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics

Preferred qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in one of the ecological sciences or a related field. Applicants having professional experience in research with waterfowl, strong quantitative and geographic information systems (GIS) skills, and an established publication record may also be given preference.

Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.

Position overview and responsibilities: We seek an OPS Research Scientist to lead and coordinate research on mottled ducks and other freshwater waterbirds in Florida. The successful candidate will collaborate with agency managers and other researchers to estimate the population size and determine the survey effort needed to evaluate population trends of mottled ducks. They will also prioritize and implement projects that examine multispecies occupancy and density, monitor population trends, estimate demographic rates, assess habitat-use and resource selection, and produce other information necessary for the successful management of wetlands and waterbirds throughout Florida. The candidate will analyze and publish data in peer-reviewed journals, books, and proceedings, and may also write grant proposals to fund research. The candidate will represent the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at professional and public meetings and serve on inter-divisional and inter-agency teams on bird-related conservation and management issues. They will also provide technical assistance to improve the quality of waterfowl habitat and prepare technical and non-technical reports, such as annual reports, final reports, and contract reports to granting agencies. They will administer budgets and supervise daily activities of seasonal and temporary staff. Overnight and weekend travel is sometimes required. Work weeks are 40 hours, with some overtime available. This position is supported by recurring funding and has no anticipated end date. The Wildlife Research Lab is located in Gainesville but the location of this position is flexible, with much of the work occurring in the southern half of Florida. It will start as soon as the position is filled. Please contact Caroline Poli (Caroline.Poli@myfwc.com) with any questions.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of: population ecology, breeding ecology, and wintering ecology of waterbirds in freshwater wetland habitat; waterfowl habitat conservation principles and techniques; avian monitoring, survey, and sampling protocols, study design, principles of statistical inference and analysis, familiarity with advanced techniques to model the occupancy, abundance, and demography of avian populations. Skills: use of a variety of bird trapping and banding techniques, strong quantitative skills, UAS operations. Ability to: collect, record, and analyze data relating to biological research, utilize problem-solving techniques, conduct research studies or analyses using scientific methods and techniques, use computer word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and GIS software packages, review technical literature and prepare scientific reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and popular articles; use laboratory and field equipment including 4WD vehicles, outboard boats, and telemetry equipment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, work independently, plan, organize and coordinate work assignments, determine work priorities, elicit cooperation as necessary to achieve objectives and ensure proper and timely completion of assignments; assess budgetary needs and prepare and manage a budget; supervise assigned staff, which includes but is not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee, and ensuring compliance with Commission and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures; incorporate biological, administrative, ethical, social, and political considerations in formulating coherent, effective policies and procedures, and to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the conduct of a Commission employee.

Where to apply: Please submit a CV/resume and cover letter. Log on to the People First system https://jobs.myflorida.com/ and search “OPS Assistant Research Scientist – 77907188” or access the application directly via https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/GAINESVILLE-OPS-Assistant-Research-Scientist-77907188-FL-32601/1186554400/ 

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/.