Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Cherokee Federal

Columbia Township (MO)

On-site

USD 100,000 - 135,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Principle Aquatic Ecologist to lead coastal numerical modeling and field-data integration for hazards assessments. The role requires independent research leadership, model development, validation, and dissemination of results.

You will work primarily on-site in St. Petersburg, FL, with telework allowed during events, and you will drive projects for federal clients, producing defensible analyses and publications.

Qualifications

PhD and 10+ years of advanced, relevant experience with expert standing.
Experience developing/running numerical coastal models (Delft3D, XBeach, ADCIRC, SWAN).
Proficiency in MATLAB or Python and reproducible workflows.
Ability to summarize literature/data and present to technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead development and application of coastal numerical models for risk and restoration scenarios.
Develop scripts and tools for modeling and data analysis; automate where possible.
Analyze and validate spatial-temporal datasets; document data quality and defects.
Validate models, assess skill, and report performance with statistics and figures.
Couple models to describe co-evolution of coastal/nearshore systems.
Disseminate outputs following protocols; contribute to reports and publications.
Design and conduct field studies; supervise field teams as needed.
Maintain and deploy oceanographic instrumentation and software.
Present findings at national/international conferences; monthly task reporting.
Possess valid driver's license and dependable transportation; comply with security rules.

Skills

Coastal modeling

Numerical modeling

MATLAB/Python

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Field operations

Driving

USAccess clearance

Education

PhD and 10+ years experience

Tools

Delft3D

XBeach

ADCIRC

SWAN

Job description

Principle Aquatic Ecologist

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Principle Aquatic Ecologist: $117,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

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

Principle Aquatic Ecologist Responsibilities Include

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.

Principle Aquatic Ecologist Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested

Education/experience: 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.)
Modeling expertise: 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.
Programming/data skills: Advanced proficiency in MATLAB or Python and at least one additional programming language; ability to build error-free, reproducible computational workflows.
Scientific communication: Proven ability to perform scientific literature/data searches; produce publication-quality figures; draft reports, manuscripts, and technical documentation; present results to technical audiences.
Fieldwork: Prior experience collecting field data and executing field operations; ability to design field studies when needed and oversee safe, compliant execution.
Security/compliance: Ability to adhere to agency computer security requirements (training/testing) and follow applicable federal regulations and local protocols for data dissemination.
Driving: 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.