marine ecology/conservation position

[Mike Mascia]

APOLOGIES FOR CROSS LISTING.  PLEASE FORWARD AS APPROPRIATE.




POSITION TITLE:  Senior Coastal/Marine Ecologist, Coastal/Marine Habitat 
Initiative
SUPERVISOR:     Vice President for Science / Chief Scientist
LOCATION:       Arlington, VA
DATE POSTED:    March 15, 2001
CLOSING DATE:  Open until filled


INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND:
As a new and growing organization, with the strength and expertise of 100 
staff and 85 partner organizations, the Association for Biodiversity 
Information is poised to be a key player in the conservation arena.  The 
Association for Biodiversity Information (ABI) is a not for profit 
organization that works in partnership with the Network of Natural Heritage 
Programs and Conservation Data Centres (CDC) throughout the Western 
Hemisphere to manage and distribute authoritative information critical to 
the conservation of biological diversity.  On July 1, 1999, ABI and The 
Nature Conservancy (TNC) formed a new organization through a merger of the 
existing natural heritage membership organization (ABI) and The Nature 
Conservancy's heritage-related functions, primarily in their Conservation 
Science Division.  The new organization retains the ABI name.

ABI offers a results-oriented and collaborative workplace where a common 
mission provides focus and excitement and where staff are empowered to take 
ownership of projects and mission success.  Benefits include a 401k savings 
and retirement plan; health, dental and vision insurance; short and 
long-term disability; annual and sick leave and life insurance.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Senior Coastal Ecologist will be ABI's resident expert on coastal and 
marine issues and will be responsible for implementation of ABI's Coastal 
Habitat Initiative.  S/he will develop standards and methods for 
classifying and mapping coastal and marine habitats, and will work with ABI 
and Heritage Network staff to develop standards for the acquisition, 
management, and analysis of coastal and marine habitat data.  The Senior 
Coastal Ecologist will organize and facilitate a workshop to provide 
peer-review of marine and coastal habitat classification standards, and 
assist senior management with the development of an Advisory Committee for 
Coastal and Marine Issues.  The Senior Coastal Ecologist will assist ABI 
staff with the development of information-based "decision support tools" 
that advance coastal and marine conservation planning.  S/he will work with 
senior management to develop public and private sector partnerships, raise 
funds, and guide strategic planning for coastal and marine issues.  Upon 
receipt of additional funds, s/he will oversee pilot application of these 
standards and guide the Coastal Habitat Initiative towards comprehensive 
application throughout the Western Hemisphere.

This position is funded for one year but will be extended upon receipt of 
additional funds.


DUTIES:
1.      Develop generic standards and methods for classifying and mapping 
coastal, estuarine, and marine habitats, building upon previous work in 
both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.  Work with ABI and Heritage 
Network staff to develop standards for acquisition and management of 
coastal, estuarine, and marine habitat data.

2.      Organize and facilitate workshop of scientists and practitioners 
that will provide peer-review of coastal, estuarine, and marine habitat 
classification system.  Refine classification system based on peer review.

3.      Work with V.P. for Science/Chief Scientist and President/CEO to 
organize an advisory committee that will provide strategic oversight to ABI 
on coastal and marine issues.

4.      Work with staff to develop information-based "decision support 
tools" that advance coastal and marine conservation planning, including 
analyses of conservation priorities and management alternatives.

5.      Work with V.P. for Science/Chief Scientist and President/CEO to 
develop public and private sector partnerships that foster application of 
habitat classification, data management, and decision support 
tools.  Represent ABI in meetings with public and private sector 
organizations and at relevant conferences and workshops.  Work with senior 
management to identify appropriate donors and solicit funding.

6.      Based on the availability of additional funding, oversee pilot 
application of habitat classification and mapping standards, data 
management protocols, and decision support tools.  Revise and refine these 
tools based on pilot exercises.  Devise and implement strategy for 
comprehensive application of these tools throughout the Western Hemisphere.

7.      Provide general expertise on coastal and marine issues.

8.      Perform other duties as needed.



REQUIREMENTS:
1.      Graduate training (Ph.D. preferred) in community ecology, marine 
ecology, or benthic ecology and three years of work experience applying 
scientific information to conservation planning/policymaking.

2.      Training and practical experience in the principles and processes 
associated with habitat classification, mapping, data acquisition, and data 
management.

3.      Proficiency with spatial analysis tools such as ArcView (required), 
ArcInfo (required), and spatial statistics (preferred).

4.      Demonstrated grantwriting and fundraising ability.

5.      Excellent oral and written communication skills.

6.      Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

7.      Knowledge of domestic and international marine conservation actors 
and initiatives desired.  Spanish language skills a plus.



SEND COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO:
Jennifer McLaughlin, Human Resources & Operations Coordinator
Association for Biodiversity Information
1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209
E-mail:  jennifer_mclaughlin at abi.org
THE ASSOCIATION FOR BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION IS AN
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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