Entry Level Social Science Research Jobs in Florida

Requisition No: 881017 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Research Assistant - FWC - 77900947

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900947 

Salary:  $25/hr 

Posting Closing Date: 08/31/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Center for Conservation Social Science Research, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Assistant Research Scientist – OPS Position

$25 per hour

7386 NW 71st ST

Gainesville, FL

 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Research Assistant

 - OPS 77900947

Gainesville, Florida - $25 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.

The Center for Conservation Social Science Research team (CSSR) of the FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in Gainesville, FL, invites applications for an OPS Assistant Research Scientist to coordinate and participate in research to identify communication-based pathways to improve human–crocodile coexistence. This position involves a literature review to synthesize research on human-crocodile coexistence and communication, conducting a content analysis of media communications to identify messages the public is exposed to, and interviewing Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs) to document communication approaches and identify effective strategies during interactions with homeowners when resolving conflicts. The position is a full-time (40-hrs/week), 6-month appointment with a flexible start date.

Minimum Qualifications:

6 years professional experience in a closely related social science or human dimensions field required.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the social sciences or physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional experience in social science or human dimensions of natural resource management can substitute for the required experience.

A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the social sciences or human dimensions can substitute for the required experience.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
A graduate degree (MS or PhD) in one of the social sciences or applied human dimensions research.

Experience designing and conducting qualitative social science research (e.g., conducting interviews, thematic coding, qualitative data analysis).

Lead or co-author of peer-reviewed social science or conservation-related professional journal articles.

Ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesize complex academic or technical information.

Experience with qualitative software tools such as MAXQDA, NVivo, or similar.

Requirements:.

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

To be considered for this position a Cover Letter and Resume MUST be attached to your PeopleFirst Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Office hours are from 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 stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting FWC Conservation Social Science project investigator (PI) in conducting qualitative research relating to communication and public discourse surrounding American crocodiles in South Florida. The incumbent will take lead in preparing a literature review, conducting content analysis, interviewing Crocodile Response Agents (CRAs), analyzing data, publishing data in referred journals and/or peer-reviewed proceedings, and preparing progress reports and a final study report under supervision of PI. Occasional overnight travel is expected for this position. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of current methods and techniques of qualitative applied natural resources social science research, data collection, and analysis.

Knowledge and experience with research design, implementation, data analysis, and reporting techniques.

Knowledge of fish/ wildlife conservation and management programs.

Knowledge in using qualitative data analysis software (MAXQDA, Nvivo, or similar)

Knowledge in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe or other PDF software
Possess good customer service, telephone and clerical skills

Ability to develop and conduct studies, evaluate collected data, and prepare written reports of findings.

Ability to analyze qualitative data (open-coding, thematic analysis, content analysis)

Ability to write professional, peer-review quality scientific manuscripts

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently
Ability and desire to work in a team environment
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines 
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to work in a confidential environment. 

High attention to detail

Possess strong organizational skills

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.