Quantitative Analysis,Predation Modeling,Data Synthesis Support

Ocean Associates Incorporated•Seattle, WA

3d•$40 - $55•Hybrid

About The Position

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide quantitative analysis, predation modeling, and data synthesis support services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA. The Fish Ecology Division at the NWFSC conducts scientific research on marine and anadromous species in the Pacific Northwest and California to support management of these species. The NWFSC is a leader in quantitative analyses supporting fisheries management for marine and anadromous species, producing increasingly large datasets as quantitative research techniques become more complex. Researchers examine complex relationships between managed stocks and their environments that involve highly technical statistical approaches that continue to rapidly evolve. The Center collaborates with regional partners to manage data and provide public access to empirical and modeled data products. There is a strong need for continued improvement in both the ability to conduct advanced quantitative analyses and to adeptly manage and share resulting research products. Modern fisheries management faces a growing data-capacity gap: data volume is surging while managers have less time to interpret complex research. This position will support NWFSC staff and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, natural resource managers, and tribal representatives to conduct ecological research on species that NOAA is mandated to manage.

Requirements

Doctorate from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in a field of study related to the requirements of the task order including geomorphology, oceanography, hydrology, fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, and/or statistics.
Five (5) or more years of experience related to the task order, including familiarity with the species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries in the West Coast region. An Advanced Degree in a related field may be substituted for two (MS) or four (PhD) years of experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication, and experience writing reports and publishing peer-reviewed articles.
Familiarity with common software used in the workplace.
Strong quantitative skills including familiarity with modeling and data analysis.
Familiarity with software such as R, GitHub and GIS and with open science concepts.
Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines.
Adaptability, capable of working both independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams.
Valid driver’s license must be maintained.

Responsibilities

Compile, organize, and analyze large-scale spatial and temporal datasets to evaluate the effects of localized environmental conditions on predator-prey distributions and predation rates on managed fish populations.
Synthesize analytical findings by authoring technical reports and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, and by presenting complex research results at regional management meetings and scientific conferences.
Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to summarize and document the relationships between predator consumption rates, predator abundance and distribution, observed ecological outcomes, potential environmental stressors, and shifting environmental conditions.
Provide supplementary field support, including physical collection of fish and environmental data in freshwater and marine environments of the West Coast region. This requires safely operating outdoors in potentially harsh conditions, and may involve driving federal vehicles, boats, and trailers.
Standardize and share compiled data, comprehensive workflow protocols, and research products to ensure methodologies are transparent, reproducible, and interactive for internal partners and external stakeholders.