Marine Ecologist/ Research Scientist

Cpcperforms; Pago Pago (AS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

CPC seeks a Marine Ecologist/Research Scientist to work at NOAA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS). This position provides research and field operations support to the site.

If you're a marine scientist with a passion for fieldwork, this is a once-in-a-career opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most biologically rich and visually stunning marine environments on the planet.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in marine-related sciences required.
• At least five years of tropical marine research experience.
• Experience with field data collection in tropical coral reef environments.
• Four years of scientific diving experience; must be SCUBA certified.
• Ability to obtain medical clearance for NOAA vessels and diving.
• Experience with GIS and marine spatial planning.
• Able to conduct extended fieldwork and live-aboard expeditions.
• Peer-reviewed publications in marine sciences.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Familiarity with Samoa culture preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific expertise and support, including conducting field surveys; sampling and collecting specimens in the field; conducting laboratory tasks; processing scientific data; writing scientific reports; assisting with data archiving and records management; and collaborating with partners.
• Support execution of site operating plans and science projects; assist with purchase, maintenance, inventory, and calibration of supplies and equipment; development of dive, boat, and cruise plans; submission of reports; coordination of dive operations to NOAA standards; assistance for small boat program; collaboration on missions; field research and data collection.
• Support planning, evaluation and implementation of characterization, monitoring, and research activities to meet sanctuary management needs.
• Participate in site planning activities including field projects, grant proposals and budgets; environmental compliance such as NEPA and ESA; condition reports and management plans; and review of science planning documents.
• Participate in research or monitoring cruises in various roles including administrative, scientific, technical, and support.
• Review and provide recommendations on site permit applications and permits; record keeping, project tracking, applicant briefing, coordination with agencies; vessel reporting systems.
• Ensure scientific data, samples, and information are properly processed and maintained.
• Interpret scientific information for outreach and communications; mentor volunteers, interns, and fellows.
• Support emergency response activities and training and other resource protection programs.

Skills

Field data collection

Geographic Information Systems

Marine spatial planning

Mentoring volunteers

Scientific diving

Fieldwork coordination

Education

Master's Degree in marine-related sciences

Tools

SCUBA certification

Job description

Description

Relocation: No relocation offered for this position

Worksite: National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS)

Status: Full-Time

Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay: $29.00 - $33.00 per hour, depending on education and experience

Job Summary

CPC seeks a qualified Marine Ecologist/ Research Scientist to work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS). This position provides research and field operations support to the site.

If you're a marine scientist with a passion for fieldwork, this is a once-in-a-career opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most biologically rich and visually stunning marine environments on the planet. The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is a living laboratory of evolutionary marvels, where ancient corals, rare pelagic species, and active undersea volcanoes converge in a breathtaking Pacific seascape.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide scientific expertise and support, including conducting field surveys; sampling and collecting specimens in the field; conducting laboratory tasks; processing scientific data; writing scientific reports; assisting with data archiving and records management; and collaborating with partners.
• Support execution of site operating plans and science projects. This may include assisting with the purchase, maintenance, inventory, and calibration of supplies and equipment for the science program; development of dive, boat, and cruise plans, and submission of associated forms and reports; coordination and implementation of dive operations to meet NOAA dive and safety standards; assistance for the small boat program; collaboration with partners on missions; and performance of in-situ field research and data collection.
• Support the planning, evaluation and implementation of characterization, monitoring, and research activities designed to meet the management needs of the sanctuary.
• Participate in site planning activities including developing field projects, grant proposals and budgets; completing necessary environmental compliance requirements such as National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act consultations; assisting in condition report and management plan preparation and review; and preparation and review of other science planning documents.
• Participate in research or monitoring cruises and expeditions in a variety of roles, including administrative, scientific, technical, and support.
• Review and provide recommendations on assigned site permit applications and permits, including but not limited to, record keeping, project tracking, applicant briefing, coordinating with other agencies/applicants/permittees, and vessel reporting systems.
• Ensure that scientific data, samples, and information are efficiently processed and properly maintained.
• Interpret scientific information for use in outreach and communications programs, and provide mentoring for volunteers, interns, and fellows.
• Support emergency response activities and training and other resource protection programs both internally and with partners.

Support miscellaneous administrative and operational tasks necessary to implement scientific programs at the sanctuary.

Requirements

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in marine-related sciences, including the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or other related.
• At least five years of experience in tropical marine research programs.
• Experience with field data collection in a tropical coral reef environment involving scientific diving. Knowledge of tropical marine ecosystems, including threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing and resource protection principles.
• Four years of experience as a scientific or working diver. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) and meet the standards established by the program's diver certification process (which meets the standards set by NOAA), and maintain throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be willing to work on both small boats and aboard larger research vessels. Must be able to obtain medical clearance to work on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels and for NOAA diving requirements.
• Experience with applications of research products to marine spatial planning and familiar with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Must be able to participate in extended fieldwork including live-aboard research and educational vessels, field camps etc.
• Peer-reviewed publications in the marine sciences.
• Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds to assist transporting equipment and gear is required.
• Familiarity and experience with Samoa culture preferred.

AAP/EEO Statement

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.