Scientist VII

Cherokee Federal; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Cherokee United Services, a division of Cherokee Federal, seeks a Scientist VII in Lafayette, LA to lead quantitative coastal research with CPRA and federal teams. The role focuses on land-change analysis, restoration effectiveness, and ecosystem impacts using reproducible R workflows and scientific publications.

The candidate will develop statistical models, analyze ecological data, and mentor junior staff while ensuring work follows standard procedures and rigorous review processes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in coastal wetlands ecology or closely related field required.
• At least seven years of post-Ph.D.-level experience in coastal wetlands ecology.
• Deep knowledge of coastal ecosystems, wetlands, wildlife, and climate change effects.
• Experience applying statistical methods to ecological data and large data streams.
• Advanced proficiency with R and RStudio; SAS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical efforts with partners supporting CRMS and related aquatic research.
• Develop frameworks for land-change, restoration effectiveness, and ecosystem impacts.
• Perform mathematical and statistical analyses of ecological data.
• Develop, fit, and interpret statistical models using quantitative inference.
• Analyze data from field monitoring, remote sensing, and hydrologic programs.
• Prepare data summaries, visuals, and publications for diverse audiences.
• Maintain reusable R code and migrate SAS analyses to R workflows.
• Ensure timely delivery within multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to scientific reports and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Coastal wetlands ecology

Statistical modeling

R programming

Restoration effectiveness

Land-change analysis

Education

PhD in coastal wetlands ecology

Job description

Scientist VII

Cherokee United Services is seeking a Scientist VII to lead advanced quantitative research in Lafayette, Louisiana. This senior-level scientist will partner closely with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and federal teams to evaluate land change, wetland restoration outcomes, and impacts on coastal natural resources through rigorous statistical analysis, reproducible R-based workflows, and scientific publication.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Scientist VII: $71,000

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.

Scientist VII Responsibilities Include:

• Lead collaborative analytical efforts with partners supporting the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) and related aquatic ecosystem research.
• Develop analytical frameworks that address land change, coastal restoration effectiveness, wetland condition, and impacts on natural resources.
• Independently perform mathematical and statistical analyses of ecological field data and associated environmental datasets.
• Develop, fit, evaluate, and interpret statistical models using appropriate quantitative inference methods.
• Analyze data collected through field monitoring, remote sensing, long-term monitoring programs, and continuous hydrologic monitoring technologies.
• Manipulate, integrate, quality-check, and prepare large, complex datasets from multiple formats and spatial or temporal scales for analysis.
• Create data summaries, graphics, visualizations, and presentations that clearly communicate analytical findings to scientists, partners, managers, and non-technical audiences.
• Develop, maintain, update, and document efficient, transferable analytical code in the R software environment and RStudio.
• Convert and validate legacy analytical code, including code developed in SAS, for use in R-based analytical workflows.
• Troubleshoot analytical workflows, resolve code issues, and improve efficiency, reproducibility, and usability of data-processing and modeling tools.
• Lead development of reports, technical products, scientific manuscripts, and peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Ensure scientific products follow USGS Fundamental Science Practices, applicable standard operating procedures, and required review processes.
• Prepare monthly activity summaries, analysis progress updates, code documentation, data products, visualizations, and written deliverables.
• Meet established project schedules and work effectively within collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Scientist VII Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Ph.D. in coastal wetlands ecology, ecology, environmental science, statistics, quantitative ecology, or a closely related scientific discipline required.
• At least seven years of post-Ph.D.-level experience in coastal wetlands ecology required.
• Deep knowledge of coastal ecosystems, including wetlands, aquatic habitats, wildlife, natural resources, and the effects of climate change and land change.
• Demonstrated expertise applying statistical methods to ecological field data, remote-sensing data, and large data streams from continuous hydrologic monitoring.
• Experience creating custom statistical analyses, including model development, fitting, diagnostics, evaluation, and interpretation.
• Advanced proficiency with R and RStudio required.
• Working familiarity with SAS and experience converting, replicating, or validating SAS analyses in R preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze datasets of varying sizes, formats, geographic scales, and timeframes.
• Experience developing analytical frameworks for data collection, data management, and data analysis in partnership with scientific and resource-management stakeholders.
• Strong data visualization and presentation skills, with the judgment to communicate technical results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven scientific writing, report development, manuscript leadership, and peer-reviewed publication experience.
• Ability to lead collaborative teams, exercise sound scientific judgment, and manage competing priorities within project deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to successfully complete a federal background investigation and obtain/maintain required USAccess credentials.
• Willingness to complete required federal IT and information-security training.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:

Cherokee Federal is a division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CFED, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-RA2 #AppC

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

• 5 keywords
  • Coastal wetlands ecology
  • Statistical modeling
  • R programming
  • Restoration effectiveness
  • Land-change analysis
• 5 similar job titles
  • Senior Coastal Scientist
  • Quantitative Ecologist
  • Coastal Restoration Scientist
  • Ecological Data Scientist
  • Senior Research Scientist, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems

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.