Coastal Resilience Ecologist

CSS, Inc

About The Position

Ecologist to support field and laboratory research in Coastal Wetland Ecology at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). The NCCOS Beaufort Lab conducts basic and applied research on: 1) the response of coastal habitats including estuarine marshes, seagrasses, and oyster reefs to sea level rise and other climate change-related stressors, 2) the use of natural coastal habitats to promote resilience to these stressors, and; 3) the impacts of nature based infrastructure on the ecological function of a site. Incumbent supports both field and laboratory aspects of our research program. This position is responsible for field-based sample and data collection that may include sampling vegetation, sediments and porewaters, maintenance of wave and water level sensors, surveying with GNSS and participation in drone-based data collection. Laboratory activities include processing of vegetation and sediment samples (drying, grinding and weighing) as well as analytical chemistry to quantify sample nutrient and carbon content and gas flux (CO2 and methane). The incumbent joins an interdisciplinary team and have the opportunity to interact with academic, governmental and private sector collaborators. Some field work will require overnight travel (< 10% of time).

Requirements

Masters degree with at least 2 years of professional experience in coastal ecology
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced dynamic setting
Ability to carry 50 lbs and tolerate work in hot, muddy conditions
Experience with small boat operations: familiar with NOAA Small boat operations: Course Virtual "NCCV" and USCG Boat America Training
Experience with drone-based mapping
Experience with trimble GNSS receivers
Demonstrated knowledge of ArcGIS, including imagery and remote sensing, cartography, and spatial analysis
Demonstrated knowledge of USGS UAS Photogrammetry protocols

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with analytical chemistry desired

Responsibilities

Plan field work trips and assist in/oversee data collection efforts.
Sample preparation, analysis and data entry of results in addition to general laboratory support
Management and maintenance of field and laboratory instruments
Ensure and document compliance with laboratory safety protocols and record keeping requirements
Contribute to data reporting
Conduct background research and literature searches for projects
Manage and analyze files with ArcGIS
Plan, conduct, and manage data from a monthly monitoring program at created fringe reefs
Analyze and interpret data collected data from monitoring efforts
Present analyses and results in written reports and in presentations at professional meetings
Co-author peer-reviewed publications
Serve as technical expert on Elemental Analysis of solid samples
Serve as Boat Operator and maintain NOAA certification to do so