State of Florida
OPS Research Associate - 77901693
State of Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, 33739
OPS Research Associate – 77901693
Join to apply for the
OPS Research Associate – 77901693
role at the
State of Florida .
Requisition No:
863818 Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Work Title:
OPS Research Associate – 77901693 Pay Plan:
Temp Position Number:
77901693 Salary:
$26 per hour Posting Closing Date:
11/17/2025
About the 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 is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long‑term well‑being and the benefit of people.
Position Overview & Responsibilities The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) group of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute invites applications for two full‑time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Research Associate positions to provide technical support to ongoing HAB monitoring, research, and event response within the Microscopy Program. Responsibilities include:
Identify HAB species and phytoplankton taxa in live and preserved samples;
Log samples and enter data into databases;
Contribute to taxonomic identification and method development for light and electron microscopy;
Assist in research and event response efforts, including data analysis, technical report writing, and external communication;
Collaborate with the volunteer program and maintain accurate records of microscopy, training, database, and volunteer activities;
Provide support to the microscopy program and supervise assigned staff as required;
Participate in field work, outreach, and other program activities as requested.
Minimum Qualifications • Six (6) years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program. • Bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, mathematics, or related field with two (2) years of experience; or two (2) years as a Research Assistant – FWC; or a master’s degree providing equivalent experience; or a doctoral degree providing the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in microalgae identification by light, fluorescence, and/or electron microscopy; cultivation of microalgae; molecular or imaging techniques applied to microorganism taxonomy and physiology; expertise with phytoplankton and harmful algae (especially cyanobacteria, dinoflagellate, or other flagellate taxonomy).
Requirements Employment contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Application Package Cover letter and resume/CV required. Office hours: 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. Provide information regarding any employment gaps.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Strong knowledge of phytoplankton morphology and taxonomy, life cycle, physiology, toxicity, and ecology, with focus on harmful algal bloom species. • Ability to identify phytoplankton to genus and species level, plan and coordinate work assignments, collect, record, and analyze data, maintain records, and acquire laboratory equipment. • Skills in preparing reagents, preparing technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications, supervising staff, and effective communication. • Ability to work as part of a research team, use microscopes for extended periods (4–6 hours/day), and mentor junior staff.
Benefits Eligible OPS positions may enjoy comprehensive health coverage, low deductibles, and other benefits. Health Premiums: $25 single / $90 family biweekly. Low cost life insurance: $25,000. OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan. On‑the‑Job Trainings. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/ for a complete list of benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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 ADA, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). 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.
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OPS Research Associate – 77901693
role at the
State of Florida .
Requisition No:
863818 Agency:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Work Title:
OPS Research Associate – 77901693 Pay Plan:
Temp Position Number:
77901693 Salary:
$26 per hour Posting Closing Date:
11/17/2025
About the 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 is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long‑term well‑being and the benefit of people.
Position Overview & Responsibilities The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) group of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute invites applications for two full‑time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Research Associate positions to provide technical support to ongoing HAB monitoring, research, and event response within the Microscopy Program. Responsibilities include:
Identify HAB species and phytoplankton taxa in live and preserved samples;
Log samples and enter data into databases;
Contribute to taxonomic identification and method development for light and electron microscopy;
Assist in research and event response efforts, including data analysis, technical report writing, and external communication;
Collaborate with the volunteer program and maintain accurate records of microscopy, training, database, and volunteer activities;
Provide support to the microscopy program and supervise assigned staff as required;
Participate in field work, outreach, and other program activities as requested.
Minimum Qualifications • Six (6) years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program. • Bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, mathematics, or related field with two (2) years of experience; or two (2) years as a Research Assistant – FWC; or a master’s degree providing equivalent experience; or a doctoral degree providing the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in microalgae identification by light, fluorescence, and/or electron microscopy; cultivation of microalgae; molecular or imaging techniques applied to microorganism taxonomy and physiology; expertise with phytoplankton and harmful algae (especially cyanobacteria, dinoflagellate, or other flagellate taxonomy).
Requirements Employment contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Application Package Cover letter and resume/CV required. Office hours: 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. Provide information regarding any employment gaps.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Strong knowledge of phytoplankton morphology and taxonomy, life cycle, physiology, toxicity, and ecology, with focus on harmful algal bloom species. • Ability to identify phytoplankton to genus and species level, plan and coordinate work assignments, collect, record, and analyze data, maintain records, and acquire laboratory equipment. • Skills in preparing reagents, preparing technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications, supervising staff, and effective communication. • Ability to work as part of a research team, use microscopes for extended periods (4–6 hours/day), and mentor junior staff.
Benefits Eligible OPS positions may enjoy comprehensive health coverage, low deductibles, and other benefits. Health Premiums: $25 single / $90 family biweekly. Low cost life insurance: $25,000. OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan. On‑the‑Job Trainings. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/ for a complete list of benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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 ADA, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). 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.
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