Research Program Manager – Marine Mammals + Sea Turtles

CASE Consultants International; Asheville (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CASE Consultants International seeks a Research Program Manager – Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles to support NOAA Fisheries SEFSC MMTD. You will coordinate multidisciplinary research across Gulf of America, South Atlantic, and Caribbean, overseeing planning, field surveys, data management, logistics, and communications.

The role collaborates with NOAA scientists, Chief Scientists, PI\u2019s, and partners, ensuring data quality, protocol compliance, and timely dissemination of findings through

Qualifications

• Master\u2019s in Marine Science or related field (or relevant experience).
• Experience coordinating marine research programs and data management.
• Strong technical writing and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate research projects from planning through completion.
• Serve as liaison for Chief Scientists during vessel/field operations.
• Assist with budgeting, scheduling, and ship time requests.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary activities across NOAA programs.

Skills

Marine mammal ecology

Sea turtle ecology

Fisheries/protected species research

Biological data governance

GIS and spatial data management

Vessel operations/logistics

Scientific communications

Education

Master’s degree in Marine Science/related field

Bachelor’s degree with relevant research experience

Tools

GIS software

Cloud-based data repositories

Job description

Location: Miami, FL, Beaufort, NC, or Pascagoula, MS (Hybrid/Remote Eligible)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Client: NOAA Fisheries (NMFS)

Security Requirement: Public Trust Eligibility Required (US Citizen)

Position Overview

CASE Consultants International seeks an experienced Research Program Manager – Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD). This role coordinates multidisciplinary research programs that advance the conservation and management of marine mammals and sea turtles across the Gulf of America, South Atlantic, and Caribbean. Working closely with NOAA scientists, Chief Scientists, Principal Investigators, and research partners, the manager oversees scientific operations spanning project planning, field surveys, data management, logistics, and scientific communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Program Coordination
  • Coordinate scientific projects from planning through completion.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for Chief Scientists during vessel and field operations.
  • Assist with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and ship time requests.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary research activities across NOAA programs and partner organizations.
• Scientific Data Management
  • Manage complex biological and environmental datasets supporting marine mammal and sea turtle research.
  • Develop and maintain standardized data management protocols.
  • Ensure data quality through validation, quality assurance, and metadata development.
  • Archive scientific information in accordance with NOAA data governance policies and cloud‑based repositories.
• Field & Survey Operations
  • Coordinate logistics for vessel, aerial, and field surveys.
  • Manage scientific equipment inventories, maintenance, storage, and deployment.
  • Coordinate equipment loans and support field teams during research operations.
  • Assist with implementation of research protocols and permit compliance.
• Scientific Communications
  • Prepare technical reports, scientific summaries, and peer‑reviewed publications.
  • Develop data summaries and project documentation.
  • Maintain research websites and communicate project updates through outreach materials and field blogs.
  • Present scientific findings to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marine Science, Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field with relevant professional research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in marine research program coordination, scientific data management, biological data quality assurance and control, field survey planning and logistics, technical writing and scientific reporting, and working with multidisciplinary research teams.

Desired Skills

• Marine mammal or sea turtle ecology
• Fisheries or protected species research experience
• Knowledge of NOAA or other federal scientific programs
• Experience with biological database management, cloud‑based data repositories, metadata standards, and scientific data governance.
• GIS and spatial data management expertise.
• Vessel operations and scientific field logistics proficiency.
• Understanding of scientific permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Website content management and scientific communications skills.

CASE is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and cultivating talented professionals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We equitably consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information as mandated by applicable law.