Coral Scientist

CSS is seeking qualified candidates to support the NCCOS CRRAB (Coastal Resilience, Response and Assessment Branch) branch, which conducts research to inform the use of nature based solutions for coastal resilience. This includes evaluations of the functionality of coral reefs and restoration. Regularly assigned tasks include photogrammetric image analyses, field work in remote locations, data synthesis and statistical evaluations, methods development, and interpretation of data and presentation of results in both written and oral form.

• Ecological characterization: collection of coral and coral reef related data from field sites on natural and restored reefs and data analysis (e.g., photogrammetry) to quantify status and change (e.g., the extent to which projects are meeting their intended goals). Metrics include but are not limited to cover, population demographics, reef complexity. All data are organized and archived following NOAA requirements.
• Methods Development:
  Many research applications require either adaptation of existing methods or development of new methods. In these cases, methods need to be rigorously tested, documented, and in some cases, published as technical memoranda.
• Data Integration and Modeling: integration of field collected data into existing modeling approaches to support projections of future project performance.
• Data management and archival: work with PI and NCCOS Data Managers to archive data with NCEI to meet regulatory requirements.
• Collaborative Research and Knowledge Exchange:
  Engage with transdisciplinary research teams, to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and stakeholder workshops aimed at disseminating research findings and informing restoration implementation strategies.

• Ability to work independently and with teams
• Advanced beginner to proficient experience in effectively conducting research projects, including planning, execution, data analysis and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and keeping a detailed laboratory notebook suitable for repeating the work.
• Experience with statistical analysis, ArcGIS, and/or data visualization
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, previous experience presenting scientific results to a variety of audiences.
• Field and analytic experience with Caribbean tropical coral ecology and species identification.
• Ability to participate in fieldwork activities, sometimes in remote locations that are challenging to navigate (coral reefs and similar)
• Meets government requirements and training to drive government vehicles.
• Work hours:
  
  8:00 – 4:30 with some scheduling flexibility
• Up to 25% of time may involve travel

• Experience with photogrammetric imagery analysis with software such as Tag Lab, Viscore, and Agisoft Metashape.
• Advanced beginner to proficient with relevant statistical software (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS, Shiny) and ArcGIS for reproducible data analysis and visualization.
• NOAA dive certification (or AAUS equivalent), experience with science diving, and data collection using underwater methods or techniques.
• Masters or PhD degree in Marine Science or related field

At CSS, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and merit-based workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, ensuring that hiring and employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, and performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.