Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Cherokee Federal•Columbia, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Principle Aquatic Ecologist supports coastal hazards research by leading development, validation, and application of numerical hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models. This role operates with wide latitude and independent judgment, serving as the technical authority responsible for end-to-end contracted research—integrating model output with field and spatial datasets to inform assessments of storms, erosion, sediment transport, water levels, and restoration impacts. Work is primarily on-site in St. Petersburg, FL, with situational telework allowed during events such as pandemics or severe weather.

Requirements

PhD and 10+ years of advanced, relevant experience, with recognized standing as a subject matter expert (renowned expert level) and demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute complex research. (Relevant disciplines may include coastal engineering, oceanography, coastal geology, marine science, mathematics, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, water quality, soils, ecology, meteorology/biometeorology, ADP/computing, and related fields.)
Demonstrated experience developing and running numerical hydrodynamic and/or morphodynamic models such as Delft3D, XBeach, ADCIRC, and/or SWAN; model validation and performance assessment experience required.
Advanced proficiency in MATLAB or Python and at least one additional programming language; ability to build error-free, reproducible computational workflows.
Proven ability to perform scientific literature/data searches; produce publication-quality figures; draft reports, manuscripts, and technical documentation; present results to technical audiences.
Prior experience collecting field data and executing field operations; ability to design field studies when needed and oversee safe, compliant execution.
Ability to adhere to agency computer security requirements (training/testing) and follow applicable federal regulations and local protocols for data dissemination.
Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
This position requires an active USAccess clearance or the ability to obtain one.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

Lead development and application of coastal numerical models to assess short- and long-term drivers and restoration scenarios while considering regulatory guidelines.
Develop, enhance, and automate scripts and computational tools for modeling and data analysis; improve efficiency and incorporate additional physical processes.
Analyze, merge, and document spatially and temporally variable datasets across scales; identify data defects and validate results using scientific judgment.
Validate models, evaluate model skill, and determine when/where predictions are wrong; produce defensible analyses, statistics, and figures.
Couple existing models to describe co-evolution of multiple coastal/nearshore systems.
Disseminate data and model outputs in accordance with local/federal protocols; contribute to reports, peer-reviewed publications, data releases, and software releases.
Design and conduct field studies when required data do not exist; direct and supervise field studies performed by technicians/ADP staff as needed.
Support maintenance, development, deployment, and operational readiness of oceanographic instrumentation and associated software, as required.
Provide presentations of findings at national/international conferences.
Submit monthly task summary reporting (e.g., labor hours by category, ODCs itemization, totals) in accordance with task order requirements.
Drive personal or government vehicles approximately monthly (typically <10 miles; infrequently several hundred miles).
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.