[Coral-List] JOB POSTING: Coral Reef Ecologist - American Samoa

[Alice Lawrence]

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE & WILDLIFE RESOURCES



AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT



*1. POSITION TITLE NAME*: Coral Reef Ecologist



*2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION TITLE & WHERE POSITION IS LOCATED:*

The American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group is hiring a Coral Reef
Ecologist who will provide the scientific and other technical support for
the American Samoa Coral Reef Monitoring Program and other programs that
conduct research on the status of coral reefs and the distribution of coral
reef fishes in the territory.



*3. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES*:

·         Conduct and develop local staff capacity in coral monitoring
surveys at established sites, using SCUBA and snorkel techniques;

·         Develop training materials and train local staff in established
coral reef monitoring protocols used by the Department of Marine and
Wildlife Resources in coordination with the Chief Fisheries Biologist;

·         Implement and manage the SCUBA dive and boating safety program;

·         Develop and implement protocols to respond to disturbances within
coral reef ecosystems (e.g. ship groundings, coral bleaching and crown of
thorn starfish outbreaks);

·         Manage monitoring data and conduct statistical data analysis
techniques to inform and provide recommendations to local stakeholders on
spatial and temporal trends of coral reef ecology in the territory. Perform
logistic coordination for fieldwork and follow ups on project
administration-related activities;

·         Provide technical expertise to other resource management agencies
and the public as needed about the territory’s marine resources;

·         Chair the Climate Change Local Action Strategy Group and
participate in relevant management activities through the Coral Reef
Advisory Group, to help support territorial efforts for science-based
management;

·         Draft and publish department biological reports and submit
performance reports; and scientific manuscripts



*4. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:*

·         Experience working on coral ecology research such as coral
disease and coral demography,

·         Have experience working with a diverse group of stakeholders
including (and especially local) communities, government agency staff,
researchers, educators, and enforcement personnel;

·         Be culturally sensitive and have experience living and working in
another culture, preferably a Pacific island community;

·         Have strong inter-personal, leadership and organizational skills;

·         Must be highly motivated and passionate about coral reef
conservation,

·         Must be independent worker but also a team player;

*5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES*:

·         Be a highly-experienced SCUBA diver with at least 300 dives;

·         Have high coral species identification skill, with identification
of algae and coral reef invertebrates an advantage;

·         Have been involved in basic or applied coral research and/or
coral reef management for at least 3 years and preferably have worked in
the Pacific (Work experience in American Samoa is a definite advantage.);

·         Have experience in coral monitoring sampling design and
implementation;

·         Have significant experience in univariate and multivariate
statistics, with coral reef benthic data an advantage;

·         Experience in implementing and managing a SCUBA dive and boating
safety program,

·         Experience in developing and implementing protocols to respond to
disturbances within coral reef ecosystems ( e.g. ship groundings and coral
bleaching events)

·         Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English,
including experience with writing and successfully acquiring grants;

·         Have significant experience in writing technical reports and
preparing scientific manuscripts and presenting these reports in regional
and international conferences;

·         Have experience in managing grants, budget and project staff;





*6. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: *Preferable a PhD, however the minimum
requirement is a Master’s Degree in biology, marine biology, fisheries or
related field, with experience.





*7. TO APPLY:*

Applicants must send a cover letter and a resume and their contact details
(phone numbers and email addresses). Applicants should email these
documents to the DMWR HR Manager, Caroline Tafeamaalii *c.tafeamaalii at gmail..com
<c.tafeamaalii at gmail.com>* with email subject: “Coral Reef Ecologist
Position.” Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.
Applications to be submitted before the closing date on *Monday November
17th, 2017*.

Attachments when submitting application must include the following:

1. Cover Letter

2. CV / Resume

3. References

4. Copy of degrees / official copy of transcripts



Please email alicelawrence.mpa at gmail.com with any questions about the
position.

-- 
Alice Lawrence

Coral Reef Monitoring Fish Ecologist
Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources
PO Box 3730 Pago Pago,
American Samoa 96799

Tel No: (684) 633-0382
Cell No: (684) 256-7450 / 733-4265
Fax No: (684) 633-5944