Marine Ecologist

US National Park Service; Key Largo (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service is seeking a Marine Ecologist to lead a coastal, estuarine, and marine ecology program supporting Everglades restoration and resource management. This position provides scientific leadership for marine research, monitoring, restoration, and management at Everglades National Park.

Work may involve field activities and coordination with researchers and partner organizations to advance understanding and protection of marine ecosystems within the park boundaries.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research; includes 30 semester hours in biological sciences, with at least 9 in ecology and 12 in physical and mathematical sciences.

Responsibilities

• Conducting marine or estuarine ecological research, monitoring, or resource management activities.
• Analyzing and interpreting ecological data to identify trends or changes in marine resources.
• Assessing the status, trends, or environmental conditions of marine species, habitats, or ecosystems using scientific data.
• Evaluating marine or estuarine restoration or resource management projects to determine their effects on marine resources or ecosystem conditions.
• Coordinating scientific activities with researchers, resource managers, partner organizations, or other stakeholders.

Education

Biology or related science with at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences; includes at least 9 ecology and 12 physical/mathematical sciences

Job description

About the Position

The National Park Service is seeking a Marine Ecologist to lead a coastal, estuarine, and marine ecology program supporting Everglades restoration and resource management. This position provides scientific leadership for marine research, monitoring, restoration, and management at Everglades National Park.

Learn more at National Park Service.

Eligibility & Qualifications

This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. This position requires English language proficiency. You must be able to read, write, and speak English to be considered for this position. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not receive further consideration.

To qualify for this position, you must meet both of the following education requirement (IOR) and specialized experience:

Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR)

To meet this requirement you must possess a degree in biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. You must include all transcripts with your application.

Specialized Experience

In addition to the above IOR, to qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience performing scientific work directly related to coastal, estuarine, or marine ecology, including:

• conducting marine or estuarine ecological research, monitoring, or resource management activities
• analyzing and interpreting ecological data to identify trends or changes in marine resources
• assessing the status, trends, or environmental conditions of marine species, habitats, or ecosystems using scientific data
• evaluating marine or estuarine restoration or resource management projects to determine their effects on marine resources or ecosystem conditions
• coordinating scientific activities with researchers, resource managers, partner organizations, or other stakeholders

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 10/16/2026.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Volunteer Experience

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Physical Demands

The work includes both office and field activities and may involve moderate to heavy physical exertion. Field activities may include boating and scuba diving and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and field settings. Field work may involve boating, flying, and scuba diving and may require extended exposure to high heat and humidity, biting insects, severe weather, and other potentially hazardous conditions.