Scientific Data Manager

CSS, Inc. is looking for a qualified candidate to provide data management and collection, and survey coordination support for the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD) of the Southeastern Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), to support marine mammal and sea turtle science and conservation in support of various legislative mandates, other applicable laws and regulations, as well as administrative priorities. The candidate will conduct, support, and/or oversee all aspects of field research activities conducted by the Division and partners from project design to data collection, management, sharing (internal), and dissemination of scientific information (external) in coordination and communication with Principal Investigators, Program Leads, and MMTD leadership.

Responsibilities

Data Collection and Management

• Develop and update standard research protocols and comply with scientific research permit requirements, including compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Animal Welfare Act and NMFS Animal Care and Use Policy.
• Manage and curate data for accuracy and quality, ensuring metadata is provided and data is properly stored, archived, and accessible in established repositories in the Cloud and per NOAA's Data Governance Strategy and other established NOAA data policies.
• Use the latest techniques and software for managing large and complex datasets (acoustics, photo-ID, omics, survey data)
• Work with other MMTD team members to formulate analytical solutions to questions relative to marine mammal management that integrate existing data streams within NOAA.
• Run editing and validation procedures to ensure high-quality data is being maintained and provided for advanced analysis or varied data users.

Survey Coordination and Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Chief Scientist(s) to provide project planning, budget, and logistical support for ship and/or field surveys.
• Assist Project Investigators, MMTD, and Center Director in preparing ship time requests, justifications for requests, and evaluating potential funding and time allocation scenarios to achieve science and mission objectives.
• Oversee field survey equipment inventory, repair, maintenance, and storage, including working, as needed, operating the forklift and crane to prepare and load/unload equipment.
• Oversee and prepare survey equipment for loans nationally and internationally.
• Maintain and update our website, including posting newsworthy stories and field survey blogs, and sharing briefings and reports internally and externally.

Reporting and Publication

• Develop written technical reports and peer-reviewed publications documenting the findings of projects and disseminate scientific results via presentations to diverse groups of stakeholders.

Project-Specific Meetings

• Attend planning and coordination meetings with MMTD researchers either virtually or in person.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in marine ecology, environmental science, oceanography, or related field, or an undergraduate degree with 1 year of relevant research experience.
• Working knowledge of marine mammal or marine species data collection and processing.
• Experience in managing complex data sets collected from varied surveys and observation platforms.
• Ability to work with other data managers to coordinate data processing efforts
• Proficient technical writing skills to maintain adequate documentation of data processing protocols
• Experience writing and editing technical reports describing data summaries and trends in miscellaneous scientific publications.
• Ability to lift/carry at least 40lbs and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Initial physical exam and/or periodic medical monitoring, including drug screening, may be required for sea-going roles
• Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NACI) and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.
• US Citizenship or legal permanent residence ("green card") is required

Location: Miami, FL, Beaufort, NC, or Pascagoula, MS (On Site)