Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Cherokee Federal; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Principle Aquatic Ecologist to lead and support research on environmental stressors affecting freshwater and riparian ecosystems in Columbia, MO. You will design studies, analyze complex datasets, develop defensible findings, and communicate results to stakeholders.

The role demands a Ph.D., 10+ years of experience, and advanced proficiency in R and statistical modeling, with collaboration across federal and partner organizations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in ecology or a closely related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of advanced, progressively responsible experience in relevant scientific research or natural-resource management is required.
• Subject matter expertise in freshwater ecology, contaminants, or restoration ecology is required.
• Experience designing and leading field and laboratory studies to address complex environmental questions is required.
• Advanced proficiency in R and statistical analysis is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting of field and laboratory studies involving metals, contaminants, wildfire impacts, mining-affected lands, and freshwater aquatic and riparian food webs.
• Serve as a project and team lead; coordinate research activities with scientists, partners, and external collaborators.
• Develop robust study designs, sampling plans, work plans, and research products to meet client needs.
• Collaborate to evaluate contaminant movement and ecological effects in freshwater systems.
• Translate complex findings into practical materials for briefings, stakeholder meetings, and conferences.
• Deliver oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences.

Skills

Freshwater ecology

Statistical analysis in R

Bayesian modeling

Scientific writing & presentations

Independent work & time management

Collaborative skills

Education

Ph.D. in ecology or closely related field

10+ years of advanced, progressively responsible experience

Subject matter expertise in freshwater ecology

Tools

R

Job description

Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Cherokee United Services is seeking a Principle Aquatic Ecologist in Columbia, MO. This senior scientific role leads and supports research on environmental stressors affecting freshwater and riparian ecosystems. The selected candidate will design and conduct studies, analyze complex datasets, develop scientifically defensible findings, and communicate results to stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Principle Aquatic Ecologist Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting of field and laboratory studies involving metals, contaminants, wildfire impacts, mining-affected lands, and freshwater aquatic and riparian food webs.
• Serve as a project and team lead; coordinate research activities with scientists, partners, and external collaborators.
• Develop robust study designs, sampling plans, work plans, and research products that meet client and partner requirements.
• Collaborate with the Mineral Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, and other organizations to evaluate contaminant movement and ecological effects in freshwater systems.
• Conduct research on the unique effects of wildfire on previously mined lands and associated aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Contribute subject matter expertise on aquatic invertebrates, aquatic-terrestrial food webs, and freshwater stressors as a member of the Critical Minerals Synthesis Team.
• Work with partners and collaborators to identify research priorities and develop tools, syntheses, and frameworks for restoration practitioners.
• Support existing and emerging national and international research collaborations related to contaminant transport, freshwater ecosystem health, restoration, and environmental stressors.
• Evaluate large and complex datasets using basic and advanced statistical methods, including univariate, multivariate, Bayesian, and other appropriate modeling approaches.
• Use R and other data-analysis, visualization, and statistical software to develop reproducible analyses and clear scientific interpretations.
• Maintain organized, secure, and properly backed-up datasets, analytical code, metadata, documentation, and supporting records.
• Prepare data releases in accordance with federal requirements and ensure data products are complete, accurate, and ready for review and publication.
• Follow applicable quality management system (QMS), biosecurity, animal-use, safety, and information-security policies and procedures.
• Ensure research teams maintain required QMS documentation, training records, data-quality records, and corrective-action documentation.
• Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, cooperator reports, data releases, scientific tools, and other research products.
• Translate complex scientific findings into clear, practical materials for briefings, stakeholder meetings, practitioner applications, scientific outreach, and conferences.
• Deliver oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences, working-group meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
• Respond to workplan requests, data calls, research-priority requests, and product requests from collaborators and project partners.
• Submit required monthly activity reports, requested progress reports, travel documentation, and time-and-attendance records.
• Travel to field sites and meeting locations for sample collection, project planning, coordination, and communication of research results, as needed. Travel is not expected to exceed one week per month.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities Requested:

• Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, chemistry, toxicology, hydrology, water quality, soils, fluvial geomorphology, biometry, plant and wildlife ecology, economics, or another closely related scientific discipline required.
• Minimum of 10 years of advanced, progressively responsible experience in relevant scientific research, environmental assessment, ecological restoration, or natural-resource management required.
• Subject matter expertise in freshwater ecology, aquatic invertebrates, contaminants, food webs, environmental stressors, restoration ecology, or related disciplines required.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading field and laboratory studies to address complex environmental research questions.
• Experience evaluating the effects of contaminants, mining, wildfire, land-use change, water quality, or similar stressors on aquatic or riparian ecosystems strongly preferred.
• Advanced experience managing, analyzing, interpreting, and documenting complex environmental or ecological datasets.
• Advanced proficiency in R and other scientific data-analysis, statistical-modeling, and visualization tools required.
• Experience applying advanced statistical methods, including Bayesian, multivariant, or other modern ecological modeling approaches, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, data releases, research tools, and scientific presentations.
• Strong knowledge of scientific quality assurance, quality control, metadata, reproducible research practices, and data-management standards.
• Ability to follow Fundamental Science Practices, applicable scientific-review requirements, and quality-management procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with federal scientists, resource managers, Tribal partners, state and local agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
• Ability to complete required federal background investigation requirements and maintain access credentials, as required.

Company Information:

Cherokee Federal is a division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner to federal clients, Cherokee Federal builds innovative solutions across environmental science, national security, health care, cybersecurity, logistics, and other mission-critical areas. One hundred percent of Cherokee Federal profits support Cherokee Nation citizens through health care, education, and job creation. To learn more, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-RA2 #AppC

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military members transitioning to civilian careers are encouraged to apply.

5 Keywords:

• Aquatic Ecology
• Environmental Contaminants
• Restoration Ecology
• Statistical Analysis in R
• Freshwater Food Webs

5 Similar Job Titles:

• Senior Environmental Scientist
• Principal Aquatic Ecologist
• Environmental Research Scientist
• Restoration Ecology Scientist
• Natural Resource Damage Assessment Scientist

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.