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. seeks a Research Operations Specialist to join NOAA ONMS. This full-time, non-exempt role focuses on assembling data, coordinating national and regional scientific efforts, and supporting the Chief Scientist with analyses and reporting.

The position emphasizes partnerships with Federal and state agencies, data synthesis, and development of tools to inform sanctuary management decisions. Travel and diver capabilities may be required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance related to preparation and review of scientific series and publications.
• Analytical support at national and regional levels for sampling design, research and monitoring.
• Field operations including diving or vessel support; travel may be required and NOAA diver status may be necessary.
• GIS and geospatial analysis to map sanctuary resources and uses; create maps.
• Participate in HQ meetings and coordinate with HQ staff.
• Support Chief Scientist with policy documents and website content updates.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Geospatial analysis

Data management

Technical writing

Education

Masters or PhD in marine science

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

• 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
• Analytical support at the national and regional level and guidance related to sampling design, research, characterization and monitoring
• 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
• 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.
• Participate in HQ meetings, engage with HQ staff, maintain a HQ presence
• 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

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a marine science related field (e.g. biology, zoology, oceanography, ecology, geology, geography, environmental science);
• 3+ years of experience in statistical and geospatial analysis (R experience preferred);
• Experience with data management.

Communication and collaboration

• Effective at working on team-based and independent projects;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a keen attention to detail (technical writing sample required);
• High level of organizational skills a must.

Preferred Additional Skillsets

• SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) with a minimum of 30 dives. Able to comply with NOAA diver certification standards and process;
• Comfort operating off small and large research vessels;
• Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds to assist transporting equipment and gear;
• General institutional knowledge across NOAA
• Ability to utilize AI to handle routine tasks and provide innovative solutions