MyFlorida’s Department of Management Services seeks a Research Assistant for a temporary, full-time position supporting the statewide Freshwater Plants research group. You will conduct applied research to help ecosystem managers address priority aquatic plant issues, focusing on vegetation and salinity in Florida’s coastal wetlands.
What You'll Do
- Serve as a crew member collecting biological data for the Assessment of Aquatic Vegetation and Salinity in Coastal Wetlands project across 10 rivers on Florida’s gulf coast.
- Navigate sampling sites with handheld GPS units, identify and survey aquatic vegetation coverage, and measure water quality parameters.
- Operate FWC vehicles, tow trailers, and operate vessels in state waters.
- Participate in overnight trips and work under extreme environmental conditions like heat, wind, rough water, currents, and storms.
- Maintain sampling equipment, vehicles, and vessels and prepare for sampling trips.
- Enter field data into computer databases, performing quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) to ensure accuracy.
- Assist with data analysis and writing grant reports to document project progress and results.
- Support Freshwater Plants Research staff with supplemental data collection, including literature reviews, data downloads from agency websites, and additional field sampling.
- Promote and participate in FWC public outreach events, such as 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.
What We're Looking For
- 4 years of professional experience in a closely-related biological field, laboratory program, physical or natural sciences, or mathematics.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics can substitute for the required experience.
- Satisfactory completion of a Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
- Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.
Nice to Have
- Field experience identifying and sampling aquatic vegetation.
- Experience working in aquatic environments with currents, such as rivers or tidal areas.
Technical Stack
- Handheld GPS units
- Computer databases
Team & Environment
You will serve on the statewide Freshwater Plants research group, reporting to Freshwater Plants Research staff.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $20 per hour
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located at 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes. Our mission is managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. We make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.
