Research Operations Specialist III (ROS3)

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC. is seeking a Research Operations Specialist to join NOAA ONMS, focusing on assembling data, analyzing trends, and developing tools for sanctuary resource management.

The role emphasizes administration, partnership development, data acquisition, analysis, synthesis, and report writing. The position involves national/regional coordination, scientific collaboration, and potential field duties, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision support for conservation

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a marine science related field such as biology, oceanography or ecology.
• 3+ years of experience in statistical and geospatial analysis (R preferred).
• Experience with data management.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to ONMS teams related to preparation and review of the Conservation Science Series and scientific publications; vessel fleet allocation; scholarships and scuba coordination.
• Analytical support at national/regional levels for sampling design, research, characterization and monitoring.
• Field operations including diving or vessel support; potential travel and NOAA diver status requirements.
• GIS and geospatial analysis: collect and analyze sanctuary resources; develop maps of habitats, distribution, and management boundaries.
• Participate in HQ meetings and engage with HQ staff; provide HQ presence.
• General support for the Chief Scientist including policy documents review, information requests, and website updates.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Geospatial analysis

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in marine science related field

Tools

R

Job description

POSITION: Full Time, Non-Exempt

LOCATION: NOAA ONMS or CINMS HQ (primarily in office vs. virtual)

CITY/STATE: Silver Spring, MD or Santa Barbara, CA

PAY: $41.50/hr - $43.25/hr, DOE

Position Overview:

CPC is seeking a Research Operations Specialist to join the NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) team. ONMS is responsible for managing complex ecosystems and ensuring compatible multi-use activities are maintained for future generations. Within this system, the focus of the ONMS Chief Scientist is to anticipate the requirements of the managers moving forward and ensure the best available science is ready to inform resource management decision making. To do so requires a wide breadth of scientific understanding and coordination abilities. Leadership is needed at the national and regional level to maintain an efficient and productive scientific enterprise. This includes national and regional level coordination and support, conducting and promoting science at these scales, as well as developing productive partnerships with other Federal and state government agencies, academics, NGOs and industry.

Across the organization, the foci over the next few years will be: 1) assembling and synthesizing data characterizing the habitats, resources, stressors and users; 2) understanding the status, trends and projections for those sanctuary characteristics; and 3) developing tools to translate that information, placing it at the fingertips of our resource protection staff and leadership to guide management. Dedicated scientific capacity is urgently needed to support the Chief Scientist in responding to the growing volume of high-priority taskers; addressing site, regional and national level science needs; and keeping the fundamental components of the scientific enterprise moving forward. It is envisioned that the hire will provide essential scientific capacity at these scales focused on administration, partnership development, data acquisition, analysis, synthesis, and report writing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• a) Provide assistance to ONMS Teams related to preparation and review of the ONMS Conservation Science Series and scientific publications; vessel fleet allocation; Nancy Foster scholarship; scuba coordination


• b) Analytical support at the national and regional level and guidance related to sampling design, research, characterization and monitoring


• c) Field operations inclusive of diving OR vessel support for sites/regions that need additional personnel. NOTE: while rare these studies occasionally require the applicant to travel for extended periods and may necessitate obtaining and maintaining NOAA diver status


• d) GIS and geospatial analysis: Collect and analyze geospatial information on sanctuary resources and uses; provide basic GIS/cartographic support including development of maps depicting sanctuary habitats, resource distribution, management boundaries, uses, etc.


• e) Participate in HQ meetings, engage with HQ staff, maintain a HQ presence


• f) General support for the Chief Scientist as needed including: scientific review related to management plans and other policy documents; responding to information requests from congressional, NOAA, NOS, or ONMS leadership enquiries related to science; scientific copyediting assistance; overseeing updates to the scientific portions of the website

Requirements

Background in marine sciences and data analysis

1. Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a marine science related field (e.g. biology, zoology, oceanography, ecology, geology, geography, environmental science);


2. 3+ years of experience in statistical and geospatial analysis (R experience preferred);


3. Experience with data management.

Communication and collaboration

1. Effective at working on team-based and independent projects;


2. Excellent written and oral communication skills and a keen attention to detail (technical writing sample required);


3. High level of organizational skills a must.

Preferred additional skillsets

1. SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) with a minimum of 30 dives. Able to comply with NOAA diver certification standards and process;


2. Comfort operating off small and large research vessels;


3. Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds to assist transporting equipment and gear;


4. General institutional knowledge across NOAA


5. Ability to utilize AI to handle routine tasks and provide innovative solutions