OPS Research Assistant
- Lakeland, FL
- $20.00 per hour
- Temporary
- Full-time
30 hours/week) biological research position funded by a State Wildlife Grant through 6/30/2027, with potential continuation contingent upon future grant awards. The position will serve on the statewide Freshwater Plants Research team, whose mission is to conduct applied research to assist and inform ecosystem managers on priority aquatic plant issues. Priority issues vary over time as needed by the management community and currently include assessment of submergent and emergent aquatic plant communities in lakes and rivers, aquatic plant control techniques, habitat restoration, and revegetation methods. Specific job duties include but are not limited to the following:Serve as a crew member of a sampling team to collect biological data for the project: Assessment of Aquatic Vegetation and Salinity in Coastal Wetlands of Florida Rivers. The study area will include 10 rivers along the Florida gulf coast. The sampling protocol will include navigating sampling sites using handheld GPS units, identifying and surveying aquatic vegetation coverage within sampling plots, and measuring water quality parameters along the sampling reach. Duties will include operating FWC vehicles, towing trailers, and operating vessels in waters of the state. Duties will include participation in overnight sampling trips, and potentially working under extreme environmental conditions (e.g., heat, winds and rough water, currents, sheltering from storms, and long hours in the field as needed to complete work assignments).Maintain sampling equipment, vehicles, and vessels and prepare for sampling trips. Enter field data into computer databases, including quality assurance quality control (QAQC) measures to ensure accuracy of entries. Assist with data analysis and writing grant reports to document project progress and results. Assist Freshwater Plants Research staff with supplemental data collection including literature reviews, data downloads from agency websites, and/or additional field sampling efforts. Promote and participate in FWC public outreach events (e.g., Marine Quest) as assigned. Complete administrative tasks including agency training; submission of timesheets, vehicle reports, and travel forms; and keeping current on email and schedule via Outlook calendar.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in scientific research including the collection and organization of field data, freshwater plant identification, and ecology.Skill in the safe operation of vehicles, trailers, and watercraft (
25 ft.); the use of scientific sampling equipment such as GPS and YSI water quality meters; and computer operation and software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Commission employees, support staff, and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; collect and enter data into computer databases; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; and understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.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 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 .The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.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.Location:LAKELAND, FL, US, 33811