NOAA Deep - Sea Coral Research Specialist

I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG, http://www.imsg.com/) is looking to hire a Deep Sea Coral Research Specialist to work in the NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC), Habitat Protection Division (HP, http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/index.html), which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The position will be located at OHC headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Deep Sea Coral Research Specialist will provide coordination across NOAA for deep-sea coral-related matters under the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP, www.coralreef.noaa.gov/) and support NOAA Fisheries Service implementation of the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program (DSCRTP). Duties will focus on coordination of NOAA’s deep-sea coral activities, development of the congressionally-mandated DSCRTP; synthesis of scientific and conservation information in scientific publications and reports to Congress and the public; and liaison with the Regional Fishery Management Councils, other federal agencies and stakeholders.

• The contractor’s duties will include but not be limited to:
• Leading coordination of and representing NMFS on NOAA’s “Deep Team” and the Deep-Sea Coral Working Group and associated program planning and coordination.
• Coordinating the implementation of NOAA’s Deep-Sea Coral Strategic Plan and continuing the development of the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program. This includes coordinating with researchers and managers, preparing reports, preparing briefing materials, etc.
• Ensuring that the program’s plans are scientifically and technically sound, that they are appropriate for the management needs, and that the scientific and technological information produced is reliable and adequate for regulatory purposes.
• Ensuring that approaches and lessons learned in each region inform Program activities in all other regions.
• Leading development of the biennial Report to Congress on Implementation of the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program, in consultation with Regional Fishery Management Councils.
• Collecting and organizing information on existing NOAA and external research on deep-sea corals and management efforts that support their conservation.
• Supporting coordination with NOAA Fisheries Service and regional Fisheries Management Council deep-sea coral science and management efforts; assisting in developing priorities and monitoring performance; providing budget forecasting and preparation of funding requests. (Occasional travel to NMFS Regions or Science Centers may be required.)
• Staffing the Interagency Board on Deep Sea Corals and other Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems under the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology and participating in planning meetings, drafting reports and coordinating with other Federal agency representatives on the Board’s work.

• Required:
• Doctoral degree (highly preferred) or masters degree with equivalent additional experience in a relevant discipline such as marine science, biology, marine or environmental management or policy.
• Experience conducting research or policy work relevant to deep-sea coral or sponge ecosystems or deep-sea habitat science and related conservation issues.
• Familiarity with issues related to fisheries management, including management of fisheries bycatch and impacts on benthic habitats.
• Strong writing skills and experience with writing or editing technical and/or scientific reports and manuscripts.
• Self-motivated, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well individually and cooperatively with a range of individuals in a complex team environment.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills, as they will be required to interact constructively with an array of individuals and groups internal and external to NOAA.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to shift priorities as needed.
• Willingness to learn new skills.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to travel on a periodic basis. Desired:
• 2-3 years of program or project planning experience or research cruise coordination.
• Experience presenting scientific research findings orally and in writing to both scientific and general audiences.
• Familiarity with the federal fisheries management and regional fisheries management councils.