See full details at https://marinesanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Post-Doctoral-Fellowship-in-Submerged-Aquatic-Vegetation-Valuation-FINAL-8.23.2021.pdf

Position Background & Overview

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Valuation is a new position, designed to play a key role in a collaborative public-private partnership intended to advance management of critical marine habitats by bringing together stakeholder groups including federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies, conservation consortiums, industry, and permitting agencies, to review, evaluate, and improve the science of existing habitat valuation approaches. This dialog will strengthen both the science and the management of near-shore ecosystems along the U.S. West Coast (WA-OR-CA) via the exchange of ideas and knowledge and the development of collaborative networks.

The Fellowship is possible through a collaboration between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA, and The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Fellow will be at the forefront of work on a critically important management issue with a diverse group of scientists and natural resource managers. The person who fills this position will assess the near-shore habitat valuation tools used to evaluate the potential effects of anthropogenic habitat change on target species (e.g., Pacific salmon) and ecosystems (e.g., eelgrass, kelp).

The position reports to the Foundation’s Director of Policy and Conservation, but coordinates activities with scientists at NOAA’s Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers, Restoration Center, and West Coast Region. The position is currently offered as a one-year term position, but there is opportunity for extension potentially up to three years based on availability of funding.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

Responsibilities

Our multi-disciplinary team is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work collaboratively with our group, tribes, the aquaculture industry and other stakeholders to:

1) Conduct a literature review of current habitat valuation tools applied to marine habitats;

2) Develop an inventory of existing tools commonly used by NOAA and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses;

3) Evaluate habitat tools used by other agencies to see if elements of these tools can be applied to improve those used by NOAA; and,

4) Initiate engagement with NOAA scientists and other agencies, tribes, and stakeholders to solicit input on different habitat valuation approaches and to convey lessons learned from the tool assessment described above.

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in biology/ecology or related field, with a focus on nearshore marine ecosystems 
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills 
  • Demonstrated proficiency with statistical methods, analytical tools, and strong programming skills 
  • Interest and familiarity with the following areas:
    •  Modeling, including ecosystem models and decision support systems
    •  Landscape spatial analysis and GIS 
  • Ability to collaborate and work well with others, including local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and corporations, academic institutions and universities, philanthropic organizations and potential funders, etc. 
  • A proven track-record prioritizing and balancing assignments independently and achieving desired outcomes 
  • Exceptional writing and content development skills with an ability to analyze and translate complex information into concise, tailored summaries to engage multiple audiences 
  • Self-starter who is able to work independently and perform under tight deadlines with moderate to minimal supervision 
  • Attention to detail and demonstrated organizational skills

Why You Will Love Us

  • Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes conservation. 
  • Two weeks paid annual leave, plus paid time off the week between December 25th and January 1st ; and 12 paid holidays. 
  • Two weeks paid sick leave 
  • Health Benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
  • Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance 
  • Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service

Compensation and Benefits: Mid $60s, based on qualifications. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

To Apply: APPLY HERE Applications received prior to September 10, 2021 will be preferred.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.