Coastal Resilience Ecologist

Ecologist to support field and laboratory research in Coastal Wetland Ecology at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science NCCOS.

The NCCOS Beaufort Lab conducts basic and applied research on:

1. The response of coastal habitats, including estuarine marshes, seagrasses, and oyster reefs, to sea level rise and other climate change-related stressors.
2. The use of natural coastal habitats to promote resilience to these stressors.
3. The impacts of nature-based infrastructure on the ecological function of a site.

Incumbent supports both field and laboratory aspects of our research program. This position is responsible for field-based sample and data collection that may include:

• Sampling vegetation, sediments, and porewaters.
• Maintenance of wave and water level sensors.
• Surveying with GNSS.
• Participation in drone-based data collection.

Laboratory activities include:

• Processing of vegetation and sediment samples (drying, grinding, and weighing).
• Analytical chemistry to quantify sample nutrient and carbon content.
• Gas flux (CO2 and methane).

The incumbent joins an interdisciplinary team and has the opportunity to interact with academic, governmental, and private sector collaborators. Some field work will require overnight travel (< 10 of time).

Responsibilities:

• Plan field work trips and assist in overseeing data collection efforts.
• Sample preparation, analysis, and data entry of results, in addition to general laboratory support.
• Management and maintenance of field and laboratory instruments.
• Ensure and document compliance with laboratory safety protocols and record-keeping requirements.
• Contribute to data reporting.
• Conduct background research and literature searches for projects.
• Manage and analyze files with ArcGIS.
• Plan, conduct, and manage data from a monthly monitoring program at created fringe reefs.
• Analyze and interpret data collected from monitoring efforts.
• Present analyses and results in written reports and in presentations at professional meetings.
• Co-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Serve as technical expert on Elemental Analysis of solid samples.
• Serve as Boat Operator and maintain NOAA certification to do so.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree with at least 2 years of professional experience in coastal ecology.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
• Previous experience with analytical chemistry desired.
• Ability to carry 50 lbs and tolerate work in hot, muddy conditions.
• Experience with small boat operations, familiar with NOAA Small boat operations.
• Course: Virtual NCCV and USCG Boat America Training.
• Experience with drone-based mapping.
• Experience with Trimble GNSS receivers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ArcGIS, including imagery and remote sensing cartography and spatial analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USGS UAS Photogrammetry protocols.

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.