Ocean Career: Ocean Associates Inc. Shellfish Research Scientist

Ocean Career: Ocean Associates Inc. Shellfish Research ScientistPosted On August 2, 2023Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Shellfish Researcher to provide support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA.We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on the award of contract. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the US government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector.DescriptionThe employee will coordinate with the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and West Coast Region of Fisheries (Central Puget Sound Branch & Oregon/Washington Aquaculture Coordinator) to assist with the following key tasks:Literature Review/Calculator Learning:Compile and conduct an assessment of relevant literature to inform ecosystem effects of shellfish aquaculture. Assess relevance to shellfish aquaculture in the US portions of the Salish Sea including all five marine basins delineated as service areas for use with the Nearshore Calculator. Synthesize and communicate findings to scientific, management and industry audiences.Gain Regional Expertise:When possible, conduct site visits to regional shellfish farms to gain an understanding of aquaculture practices. Take photos of gear and growing practices at each site, pending permission of the grower.Effects of Aquaculture:Using results from Task 1 and 2, evaluate how benefits/impacts from different aquaculture techniques affect Physical and Biological Features (PBFs) for salmon based on best available science. Evaluate if these benefits/impacts are generally included in the indicator effect pathways outlined in Ehinger et al 2023.Prototype Development:For aquaculture techniques for which the most relevant indicator effect pathways are considered in the Nearshore Calculator, evaluate if current tabs allow for appropriate quantification of impacts. For those applications, develop demonstration examples of how shellfish aquaculture activities that require federal permitting may be addressed by the Nearshore Calculator.Draft Recommendations:Based on steps one through four, develop proposed additions/adjustments to the calculator for shellfish projects. Present draft recommendations for feedback from applicable Northwest Fisheries Science Center and West Coast Region of Fisheries staff.Develop Guidance:Develop instructions to NOAA Fisheries Staff regarding how these adjustments to the calculator can be incorporated for use by NOAA staff, tribes, the public and other stakeholders.Communication:Share results, conclusions, guidance with interested and relevant audiences, including relevant conferences and meetings.Salary and Benefits:This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $32–$42 per hour.RequirementsApplicants must have the following minimum requirements:Bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study as related to the requirements of this specific task order with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus five (5) years of experience in related field or combination of such totaling nine (9) years combined education and experience. Master’s Degree in related field plus one (1) year experience or Ph.D. may be substituted for experience.At least four years of academic research experience focused on fish populations, shellfish, submerged aquatic vegetation and/or nearshore habitat data.Experience working in estuary or nearshore habitats on the west coast.Experience with shellfish aquaculture practices and submerged aquatic vegetation (eelgrass and/or kelp).Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Familiarity with R or ArcGIS, modeling and data analysis, and experience writing and publishing peer-reviewed articles.Familiarity with approaches and tools used by managers to value habitats.Knowledge and expertise of NOAA Fisheries policies and programs.Experience with planning, and Federal financial management and operations.Working with diverse interdisciplinary teams.Valid driver’s license.Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action. #J-18808-Ljbffr