Contractual R Programming Language Jobs in Ruskin, FL

Requisition No: 880849 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist II - 77907687 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77907687 

Salary:  $21-23/hour, depending on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 08/26/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 

Marine Mammal Section – OPS Position  

$21-23 per hour, depending on experience

100 8th Avenue Southeast 

St. Petersburg, FL 33701 

**Anticipated Vacancy** 

 FWRI – Marine Mammal Section 

OPS Biological Scientist II - 77907687 

St. Petersburg, Florida - $21-23 per hour, depending on experience

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:

5 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. 

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or  

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience. 

Coursework or demonstrated experience in GIS and computer programming language(s) such as Python or R. 

 
Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with demonstrated experience with ArcGIS software and computer programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL); ArcGIS Online application development and maintenance; writing and/or using programming scripts for data analysis and management and to automate workflows; entering, verifying, and querying data from Access and SQL relational databases; experience in the collection, quality-control, and management of spatially referenced data. 

Requirements:

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

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. 

  
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position is for a GIS/database analyst with the Marine Mammal Section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) to support Florida marine mammal population research and monitoring. The successful candidate will be responsible for geographic information systems (GIS) and data management tasks including entering and verifying tabular and spatial data; developing, maintaining, and running data processing scripts; assisting in the development and management of web mapping applications; assisting with the creation, maintenance, quality assurance and quality control of multiple databases; developing cartographic products and tabular data summaries for use in publications, reports, and presentations, in field operations, and for management purposes; assisting with file and network management, metadata documentation, and data archival processes; locating, retrieving and compiling biological and environmental data; providing technical and analytical support to section staff through use of geographic information systems (GIS), relational databases, programming languages (Python, R, SQL), web mapping applications and other technical tools; participating in public outreach efforts and limited field work as approved by supervisor; and other tasks assigned by supervisor. 

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Skilled at using a personal computer, including experience using Microsoft Excel, Access, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Python, R, and/or SQL.  

Knowledge of GIS, relational databases, and data management principles. 

Ability to maintain, process, and summarize spatial data using GIS applications, relational databases, and programming scripts. 

Ability to plan and organize work assignments with minimal supervision. Qualified applicants will need to be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adept at problem-solving and time management to succeed in the position.  

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 

Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. 

Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. 

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.