We Are Hiring

Fish caught during longline survey
Ecological Research Project Leader

(Job Number: ODFW16-0115)

We are currently recruiting to fill our Ecological Research Project Leader position within the ODFW Marine Reserves Program. Our current Project Leader, Dr. Brittany Huntington, will be leaving us in November to pursue an exciting new position in Hawaii. We are looking for someone who will continue to move forward the innovative monitoring and research program that Brittany and our two additional research staff have built.

The Position:

We are seeking a community ecologist with excellent knowledge and skill in ecological monitoring study design, field sampling techniques, and statistical analysis. The ability to work both in a team setting and independently, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills, are essential for one’s success in this position. The Research Project Leader is responsible for leading the ecological monitoring for Oregon’s marine reserves. This is a long-term monitoring and research program, dedicated to learning about Oregon’s nearshore ocean environment and the effects that reserve protections have over time on marine communities.

This is a complex, multidisciplinary research effort that involves numerous partners. Our ecological monitoring includes collecting data on fish and invertebrate species, algal community composition, habitat characteristics, and oceanographic conditions. Our current surveys include underwater video lander, hook and line, ROV, and subtidal diver-based UVC methods. More information can be found on our Ecological Monitoring page.

The Research Project Leader is responsible for leading: (i) survey designs; (ii) documentation and evaluation of methods; (iii) data collection at-sea; (iv) the work and training of two research staff, as well as numerous interns and volunteers; (v) data management; (vi) data analyses; and (vii) technical and non-technical reports, publications, and presentations. The Research Project Leader communicates, collaborates, and coordinates ecological monitoring and research work with Marine Reserves Program colleagues, academic scientists, ODFW leadership, other state and federal agencies, decision makers, user and interest groups (e.g. fishing, conservation), and the public.

This person is a member of ODFW’s Marine Reserves Program. The program is a six person, interdisciplinary team based out of Newport, Oregon. Frequent travel within the state is required. This is a full-time, benefitted position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience ($4,033-$5,888 per month).

Required Qualifications:

  • Proficient in developing marine ecological surveys including determining data needs, field sampling approaches, and statistical study design needed to meet program objectives.
  • Experience working in marine subtidal environments and able to work at-sea.
  • Proficient in ArcGIS including creating and editing shapefiles, working with bathymetric raster data, and using ArcGIS to formulate survey designs.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Access including database design, data entry and export, form creation, and creating queries.
  • Proficient in conducting univariate and multivariate statistical analysis of biological or natural resource data. Proficient with multivariate analyses and statistical packages/programming (R, PRIMER, JMP, etc.).
  • Possess strong organizational skills for both data collection, record-keeping/metadata, and storage.
  • Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills. Effective communication is a must to work well with the fishing industry and the scientific community, and to convey complex science to non-scientific audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience working well in a team setting.
  • Skilled in small vessel (25ft) operations including trailering, launching, and open ocean operations.
  • Have a valid driver license and an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • A Master’s or PhD in Ecology, Marine Biology, Conservation Science or a closely related field.
  • Familiarity with long-term ecological monitoring methods applied in a marine setting.
  • Experience leading research teams conducting multiple projects.
  • Marine reserves/MPA research or monitoring experience.
  • Familiarity with Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

To Apply: 

Deadline: October 18, 2016

To apply, please go to the State of Oregon job opportunities website:
www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregon/jobs/1538811/natural-resource-specialist-3-marine-reserves-research-project-leader