Marine Ecologist/ Research Scientist
About The Position
CPC seeks a qualified Marine Ecologist/Research Scientist to provide research and field operations support at NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS). The position supports sanctuary science programs and projects in a biologically rich marine environment. It is full-time, non-exempt, based at the NMSAS worksite, and offers $29.00–$33.00 per hour depending on education and experience. Relocation is not offered. The role combines field and laboratory research, data processing and management, scientific planning, dive and vessel operations, permitting support, partner collaboration, outreach, and administrative and operational duties. The employee may participate in extended fieldwork, research cruises, and expeditions, including aboard small boats, larger research vessels, and live-aboard vessels.
Requirements
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine-related sciences, including biological sciences, physical sciences, or a related field.
- At least five years of experience in tropical marine research programs.
- Experience collecting field data in tropical coral reef environments involving scientific diving.
- Knowledge of tropical marine ecosystems, threats including climate change, pollution, and overfishing, and resource protection principles.
- Four years of experience as a scientific or working diver.
- SCUBA certification (such as NAUI or PADI) and ability to meet and maintain the program’s diver certification standards, which meet NOAA standards, throughout employment.
- Willingness to work on small boats and larger research vessels.
- Ability to obtain medical clearance to work on NOAA or other appropriate research vessels and to meet NOAA diving requirements.
- Experience applying research products to marine spatial planning and familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Ability to participate in extended fieldwork, including aboard live-aboard research and educational vessels and at field camps.
- Peer-reviewed publications in marine sciences.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds to transport equipment and gear.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity and experience with Samoan culture.
Responsibilities
- Provide scientific expertise and support by conducting field surveys, sampling and collecting specimens, performing laboratory tasks, processing scientific data, writing reports, supporting data archiving and records management, and collaborating with partners.
- Support sanctuary operating plans and science projects, including purchasing, maintaining, inventorying, and calibrating science supplies and equipment; preparing dive, boat, and cruise plans and related forms and reports; coordinating dive operations to meet NOAA dive and safety standards; supporting the small boat program; collaborating on missions; and conducting in-situ research and data collection.
- Support the planning, evaluation, and implementation of characterization, monitoring, and research activities that address sanctuary management needs.
- Participate in site planning, including developing field projects, grant proposals, and budgets; completing environmental compliance requirements such as NEPA and ESA consultations; assisting with condition reports and management plans; and preparing and reviewing other science planning documents.
- Participate in research or monitoring cruises and expeditions in administrative, scientific, technical, and support roles.
- Review assigned site permit applications and permits and provide recommendations, including record keeping, project tracking, applicant briefings, coordination with agencies, applicants, and permittees, and use of vessel reporting systems.
- Ensure scientific data, samples, and information are efficiently processed and properly maintained.
- Interpret scientific information for outreach and communications programs and mentor volunteers, interns, and fellows.
- Support emergency response activities, training, and other resource protection programs with internal teams and partners.
- Perform miscellaneous administrative and operational tasks needed to implement sanctuary science programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
