[Coral-List] REEF is hiring - Conservation Science Outreach and Research Associate (

Thu Jul 1 16:26:32 UTC 2021

Please share widely in your networks, applications for the position due July 31, 2021.

July 1, 2021 - Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), a non-profit marine conservation organization with citizen science, education, and research programs, seeks to hire a full-time Conservation Science Outreach and Research Associate based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. This is a full-time, salaried exempt position with benefits. The position is funded for two years with the possibility to extend based on conditions at the end of the term. The person will be responsible for project coordination and management of a lionfish deepwater non-containment trap study in the Florida Keys. They will also organize and facilitate invasive species outreach events and assist with additional program projects.

This position will require careful method development, organizational and analytical skills, strong communication skills, and public outreach experience. At times, the role will require a significant amount of time in the field, working on vessels with local lobster fisheries and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in Marathon, FL.

Experience with outreach and education coordination,  lionfish, gear development/testing, emerging video technologies, and collaboration with fishers are a plus. Details are below and posted at www.REEF.org/jobs <http://www.reef.org/jobs>. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as one integrated PDF document to Dr. Alli Candelmo, Conservation Science Manager, to jobs at REEF.org <mailto:jobs at REEF.org> – with “Conservation Science Outreach and Research Associate” in the subject line of the email.  

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET), July 31, 2021. 

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Position Title: Conservation Science Outreach and Research Associate

Work Type: Full-Time, salaried exempt with benefits (24 months), with possibility of extension

Time Period: September 2021 - August 2023

Location: Florida Keys, Florida (Office based in Key Largo; Fieldwork primarily out of Marathon)

Supervisor: Dr. Alli Candelmo (REEF Conservation Science Manager)

JOB DESCRIPTION:      

The successful candidate will assist with REEF conservation science initiatives to support REEF’s mission of citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. The majority of their time will be spent supporting the goals of REEF’s Invasive Species Program, including  coordination of REEF’s Lionfish Derby Series and managing REEF’s “Lionfish deepwater non-containment trap study in the Florida Keys” currently funded by NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy Program. The staff member will be based at the REEF Campus in the Florida Keys, and will provide general REEF program assistance at in-person capacity building events and occasionally work with visiting education groups.

Priority tasks and duties include, but may not be limited to the following:

Education and Outreach

Coordinate, promote, and implement Invasive Species Program education and outreach events including REEF’s Lionfish Derby and Workshop Series
Seek program sponsors and manage sponsor recognition 
Develop outreach collaborations with local partners 
Coordinate and implement program social media strategy
Coordinate program communication plan with REEF’s Communication Manager
Deepwater Lionfish Trap Research

Coordinate lionfish trap field deployment testing and modification with both lobster fishers and FWC contract vessels throughout the duration of the project
Coordinate and implement lionfish trap development workshops with stakeholders
Perform and oversee database management and data analysis from deployment tests; including video analysis for mounted and ROV surveys and passive acoustic recordings
Provide input and support for permit application processes
Assist with operations and administrative functions of grant fulfillment
Assist lead PI with the preparation of biannual and final reports (technical and financial) and data summaries
Write peer-reviewed publications generated from this related work (first author)
Conservation Science 

Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences as a representative of REEF
Assist with grant application writing for program support
Assist with development of novel techniques to expand REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Masters degree in biology or a closely related field and two years of relevant experience; or Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field. Driver license and vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Four years of research experience in marine ecosystems with an emphasis or interest in fisheries biology and management.
Experience working with fishers.
Experience working with gear testing and development.
Experience working with emerging technologies (video surveys, acoustic recording and analysis, etc.)
Experience working with lionfish.
Knowledge of scientific methods including experimental design, data collection, and statistical and/or spatial analyses, especially for applied management applications.
High-level communication skills, both oral and written.
AAUS Dive Certification strongly desired.
Knowledge of educational outreach strategies and principles, with the ability to develop, implement, and coordinate a variety of general and public outreach programs including classroom and field-based offerings.
Demonstrates strong oral, written communication, and presentation skills, with the demonstrated ability to work with a large diversity of audiences in classroom, outdoor and professional environments. 
Positive attitude and high aptitude for working as a self-starter in a fast-paced, grassroots non-profit organization. The successful applicant will be detail-oriented and thorough, with strong organizational skills and an ability to follow through on tasks. They will need to work both independently and as an engaged team member, and willing to work in diverse and collaborative settings across multiple disciplines. 
WORK LOCATION AND SUPERVISOR:

The position will be based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. A significant portion of the fieldwork will be conducted in Marathon, Florida.  They will report primarily to Dr. Alli Candelmo, REEF Conservation Science Manager, and secondarily to Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, REEF Co-Executive Director.

POSITION TERM, COMPENSATION, and WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time position with salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include contribution towards health insurance, accrued paid time off (PTO), option for flex-time work weeks, and 7 holiday days per year. U.S. and international travel may be required, as well as some weekend, holiday, and after-hours work. 

Travel Compensation: REEF will pay travel and related expenses for travel as needed for certain fieldwork and outreach events, with estimates to be approved in advance. 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as one integrated PDF document to Dr. Alli Candelmo, Conservation Science Manager jobs at REEF.org <mailto:jobs at REEF.org> – with “Conservation Science Outreach and Research Associate” in the subject line of the email.  

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET), July 31, 2021

This position is currently funded for two years with the possibility to extend based on conditions at the end of the term. 

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ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

REEF conserves marine environments worldwide. Our mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. REEF programs include marine life education, field research, and one of the largest citizen science programs in the world through unique partnerships with private, governmental, scientific, and educational sectors. REEF’s programs directly benefit and help to protect marine life worldwide.

The REEF Campus, in Key Largo, Florida (US), with an Interpretive Center and nature trails, serves as an educational center for visitors and groups. It is also the Headquarters for supporting REEF’s international programs and worldwide membership. REEF maintains a physical and online store of field supplies, reference ID books, and REEF branded merchandise.

REEF was founded in 1990 as a way to educate scuba divers and snorkelers in marine life identification and to utilize their marine life sightings. Patterned after the successful Audubon and Cornell birding programs, REEF has grown into a 74,000-plus member organization with programs in place globally. Primary among these programs is the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, enabling marine enthusiasts to conduct surveys and submit sightings data from oceans worldwide. Data are managed by REEF staff and made available to researchers, scientists, managers, and the public free of charge via REEF’s online database at www.REEF.org <http://www.reef.org/>. To date, more than 255,000 marine life surveys have been submitted.

In addition to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, REEF maintains a large and active diver education program with standardized course materials for each of its survey regions. Strong partnerships within the diving industry and effective outreach provide opportunities for thousands of divers to learn about marine life and take part in surveying activities throughout the year. REEF’s other key programs include the Grouper Moon Project – researching grouper spawning aggregations; the Invasive Species Program – tracking the impact and control of non-native marine fish species, particularly the human-induced invasion of Indo-Pacific lionfish into the Tropical West Atlantic; and Special Projects – assessing fish population changes in and around marine reserves and in the areas of newly developed artificial reefs. REEF also offers Explorers Education Programs for student groups to engage in field survey and data gathering expeditions, hosts numerous public events and manages several recurring communications streams such as monthly electronic newsletters. REEF maintains strong partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies as well as other US-based and international agencies, NGOs, and business entities. 

REEF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

*********
Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D. (she/hers)
Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
www.REEF.org <http://www.reef.org/>
Protecting Marine Life Through Education, Service, and Research

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Join us for REEF Fest 2021
An Annual Celebration of Marine Conservation
Oct. 14-17 | Key Largo, Florida

*********
Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D. (she/hers)
Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
www.REEF.org
Protecting Marine Life Through Education, Service, and Research

-----------------------------------------------------------
Join us for REEF Fest 2021
An Annual Celebration of Marine Conservation
Oct. 14-17 | Key Largo, Florida