Job Information
Global Science & Technology Coral Reef Watch Operations Manager in College Park, Maryland
College Park, MD, USA | Salary | Full Time
Global Science & Technology, Inc. (GST) is seeking a Coral Reef Watch Operations Manager. This position is located in College Park, MD, but is approved for a hybrid model of onsite and telework.
The successful candidate will manage operations of the NOAA Coral Reef Watch (CRW) program, and conduct independent scientific, and statistical analyses to calibrate/validate coral bleaching prediction algorithms and document the impacts of coral bleaching events.
NOAA Coral Reef Watch (CRW) uses remotely sensed data to identify physical-environmental stressors that may impact marine ecosystems and resources. Specifically, CRW utilizes satellite-derived sea surface temperatures (SST) and thermal anomaly algorithms to identify when and where coral reef ecosystems are at risk for coral bleaching. Predictions of coral bleaching are utilized by reef managers, scientists, and the public to understand, document, and respond to the ever-increasing threat of marine heat waves.
Position Summary:
Prospective employees must demonstrate multiple years of experience managing operations of coral reef-related science programs and/or laboratories focused on documentation and dissemination of information related to climate change (or disease) impacts on reef-building corals or other ecologically significant coral reef-associated taxa. The successful candidate will work directly with the Coral Reef Watch Coordinator to ensure satisfactory completion of tasks and determination of priorities. Duties and required responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
• Ensure all CRW program milestones and project deadlines are met • Assist the Coral Reef Watch Coordinator to build and maintain domestic and international collaborations • To assist with calibration/validation of CRW bleaching predictions, the applicant: + Must have demonstrable, first-hand experience using satellite-derived or in situ data to quantify the impacts of environmental stressors on coral reef ecosystems + Must be proficient with data management, statistical analyses, interpretation of data, and writing up results of independent scientific analyses + Must demonstrate experience working with multiple types of coral reef ecological data, including in-water bleaching/mortality data and physical-environmental data, both in situ and/or remotely sensed + Must have demonstrable, real-world scientific experience working with coral reef ecosystems + Must have experience analyzing coral reef benthic data. Direct experience using photo quadrat, photomosaic, and/or structure-from-motion technologies is highly sought-after • Contribute aforementioned statistically analyzed/interpreted data to peer-reviewed scientific publications; preference is given to applicants with 1st authored, peer-reviewed publication(s) that utilized statistics to document the significance of changes in coral reef environments • Real-world experience with coral reef monitoring is required, both for the aforementioned calibration/validation and also to assist the Coral Reef Watch coordinator with the US Coral Reef Task Force effort to establish standardized bleaching monitoring protocols on US coral reefs • Strong written and oral communication skills • Travel is required
Required Education/Experience/Skills:
Scientist/Marine Biologist with a background in marine science, physical and biological oceanography, and coral reef ecosystem processes required. MS degree in science, engineering, oceanography, geoscience, etc. is very strongly preferred.
• MS Office Suite • Adobe Photoshop suite • Proficient with statistical software (e.g., R statistical environment)
Selected applicants will be subject to a government background investigation.
GST offers competitive salaries; vacation, sick, and holiday leave; major medical, dental, life, long-term, and short-term disability insurance; 401K retirement plan; tuition assistance; and opportunities for employee career growth and development.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. GST is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.