[Coral-List] Coral Reef Ecologist position

Andrew Bruckner Bruckner at LivingOceansFoundation.org
Thu May 23 10:01:24 EDT 2013


Please note the minor correction to the job posting.  We are seeking a Coral Reef Ecologist with expertise in Indo-Pacific coral assessments, not a Coral Reef Technician.

Coral Reef Ecologist
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT/OPPORTUNITY:
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation seeks to hire an outstanding Ph.D. or post-doctoral candidate with field experience and expertise in Indo-Pacific coral reefs for the position of Coral Reef Ecologist. The successful applicant will serve as one of the core members of the scientific team involved in the Global Reef Expedition (GRE) and will play a senior role in the analysis of data collected on coral reef resilience and development of key conservation products.
Position Overview:
The Coral Reef Ecologist has primary responsibilities to: 1) conduct benthic  and coral assessments to characterize coral reef community structure and coral reef resilience during the GRE, 2) compile data, photos and information collected  during the Expedition and maintain databases for each location, 3) conduct statistical analyses of  datasets collected by the GRE scientists, and 4) develop products based on these data that will assist managers in conserving their coral reef resources.  The Coral Reef Ecologist will be based at the Foundation's headquarters in Landover, MD and is expected to accompany the team during each of the research missions undertaken during the GRE.  The GRE is a multi-year research and education program of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (a U.S.A. non-profit, public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation headquartered in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area with approximately 5 missions per year; each being one month at sea.
Goals and Objectives:
As Coral Reef Ecologist, your primary responsibilities are to conduct quantitative coral reef assessments using SCUBA, assist in coordination of research missions, compile and analyze data and images collected by the science team during expeditions, develop and maintain databases,  and develop products that will be useful to our constituents, the public, and key stakeholders of coral reefs in the countries we visit during the GRE.  Working in close coordination with the Living Oceans Foundation staff, the Coral Reef Ecologist will advance the Foundation's priority coral reef conservation issues by characterizing the status and trends of coral reefs, threats affecting these ecosystems, and factors and processes that enhance global coral reef resilience.  The successful applicant will have the unique opportunity to conduct reef assessments from a state-of-the art research platform (M/Y Golden Shadow) and study and explore remote coral reefs.

Duties and Responsibilities

*         Conduct quantitative field assessments to characterize population dynamics and condition of corals, benthic communities and resilience of reefs assessments using a standardized approach;

*         Assist other scientists in collection of oceanographic data and data relevant to coral reef resilience;

*         Compile data, photographs and other information from GRE scientists, enter relevant information into spreadsheets, and develop databases;

*         Analyze data and photoquadrats using appropriate programs and statistical analysis;

*         Develop reports, informational tools and publications from the data collected during the GRE;

*         Assist the Director of Communications and other staff in developing effective messages on priority coral reef research and conservation issues based on the research results for communication through news releases, website articles, blogs, progress reports, film, and other publications;

*         Assist the LOF GIS Technician in the development of maps and other GIS products.

Qualifications/Requirements:

*          Ph. D. in marine science with a focus on coral reefs;

*         Knowledge base in coral reef conservation issues and coral reef resilience;

*         Field expertise in coral reef assessments;

*         Knowledge of coral identification for Indo-Pacific reef building corals;

*         Proficiency in word processing, database and spreadsheet applications and use of statistical analysis tools;

*         Excellent and proven written communications skills (peer-reviewed publication record);

*         Ability to take initiative, work under pressure with limited supervision and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects, multiple stakeholders and frequent deadlines;

*         Ability to travel internationally up to 50% of time and physically qualified to be aboard ships and small vessels;

*         SCUBA certified as an advanced open water diver; Scientific Diving certification preferred;

*         Training and certification in first aid, CPR, Oxygen administration.
Compensation:  We offer a competitive salary based upon level of experience and excellent benefits package, including a generous 403(b) plan and flexible benefits options.
To Apply: Send a cover letter, CV, and three professional references to the attention of the Chief Scientist at:  jobs at lof.org
We are seeking to fill this position by August, 2013.  Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.  Please include "Coral Reef Ecologist" in the subject line of the email submission.
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer..



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