CSS seeks a highly qualified candidate for a Research Specialist position on an interdisciplinary research team of contract and federal employees supporting NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). The position will support the NOAA NCCOS Marine Spatial Ecology Division (http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/), which is a nationally recognized scientific research program that conducts spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning. The candidate will be employed via a contract to work in person as part of the Coastal Resilience, Restoration, and Assessment Branch located in Beaufort, North Carolina.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in field-based ecological research and application of remote sensing techniques in coastal environments to assist with projects evaluating the performance of nature-based solutions and advancing the utility of remote sensing for monitoring natural and nature-based features in coastal ecosystems. A strong background in marine sciences is preferred with specific experience in field monitoring and assessment surveys, as well as geospatial analysis.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist with remote sensing surveys in a variety of coastal ecosystems, including salt marshes and oyster reefs using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
• Assist with in-situ ecological surveys using methods such as transects, quadrats, GPS, wave gauges, and spectroscopy.
• Manage data and conduct analyses using a suite of approaches to conduct accuracy assessments, detect change in indicator metrics, develop univariate and multivariate statistical models and generate visualization products.
• Synthesize and interpret outputs and protocols in the context of applied management, conservation, and restoration scenarios.
• Contribute to presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed publication(s).

Qualifications

Required:

• Working towards degree in ecology, environmental sciences, biology, oceanography, conservation, or related field
• Knowledge of marine science and coastal ecosystems
• Experience conducting geospatial analyses in ArcGIS
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to perform fieldwork in remote and harsh environments, often on small boats, and lift over 50 lbs
• Experience with standard productivity software platforms including but not limited to Microsoft Office (i.e., MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint)
• Highly-organized, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task and manage time to achieve project objectives, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively.
• Non-U.S. citizens must possess current documentation authorizing employment in the United States and meet the minimum-security requirements for access to federal facilities
• A National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) background check and fingerprinting will be required.

Preferred skills:

• Experience analyzing remotely sensed data in coastal ecosystems
• Experience conducting statistical analyses in R, Python, Matlab, or equivalent
• Experience in two- and three-dimensional image analysis techniques like photogrammetry
• Experience installing and analyzing data from research instrumentation such as wave gauges and pressure sensors
• Strong organizational and data management skills including experience working with large data sets and computationally complex tasks
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral scientific communication
• Experience with small boat operations

CSS is predominantly a Federal Contractor and is subject to following the terms of Executive Orders. CSS requires all Employees (Direct, Indirect, government, state, and commercial), including employees working from home/remotely, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the CSS HR Department.

CSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer who provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. In addition to federal law requirements, CSS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.