What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Scientist - Marine Acoustics position at INSPIRE Environmental, a Venterra Group Company?
About Us:
At INSPIRE Environmental, we combine cutting-edge marine science, advanced technology, and practical environmental solutions to support offshore energy, fisheries, and marine infrastructure projects worldwide. As part of the Venterra Group, our multidisciplinary team delivers integrated environmental services across benthic ecology, fisheries science, marine acoustics, oceanographic instrumentation, and spatial data analytics.
We are seeking a full-time Senior Scientist with expertise in Underwater Acoustics. INSPIRE is an integrated team of skilled marine environmental scientists and analysts trained to interpret and contextualize data about the ocean environment. Our team works together to apply rigorous science to inform complex offshore development decisions, developing targeted, innovative tools for data collection and interpretation. Our projects are always diverse in scope and complexity and may take place anywhere around the world.
The Role:
As a Senior Scientist, you will provide technical and project management leadership to INSPIRE’s contracts in offshore energy, marine construction, dredged material management, and contaminated sediments. You will work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, environmental specialists, and scientists to develop and deliver innovative and scientifically robust solutions that support sustainable development of marine infrastructure projects worldwide. You will be responsible for developing and executing acoustic source, propagation, and impacts modeling; developing, directing, and conducting acoustic data analyses; and drafting and overseeing reports for a variety of interesting marine projects. This position will focus primarily on enhancing and expanding INSPIRE’s 3D physics-based modeling for offshore energy and marine infrastructure projects, specifically developing and implementing acoustic source, propagation, and reception models for impact assessments. Experience in underwater acoustics, ocean engineering, oceanography, and/or environmental impact assessments are critical for this position.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as a technical lead for INSPIRE projects in area of expertise (underwater acoustics).
- Lead underwater noise assessments for offshore energy, marine construction, geophysical surveys, and related offshore activities.
- Develop, design, and execute underwater acoustic modeling studies.
- Define and implement quality control and technical review appropriate to project scope.
- Act as lead author on technical reports, peer-reviewed papers, and conference presentations.
- Manage projects including teams of INSPIRE staff and subconsultants to execute multidisciplinary projects and programs.
- Engage in business development and marketing activities, including leading major proposals.
We’re looking for a practical, motivated ocean engineer/acoustician who thrives in a dynamic, project driven marine environment. We are looking for someone with:
Required Qualifications:
- Recognized expertise in underwater acoustics; strong understanding of underwater sound generation, propagation, and measurements
- Experience with developing numerical models and conducting environmental assessments of marine noise
- Excellent written and verbal skills, including a publication record in scientific peer-reviewed journals
- Programming and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, R, or similar)
- High level of organization, attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and priorities
Required Education & Experience:
- Graduate Degree in relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field – MS with at least 6-8 years of relevant experience; PhD with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Leadership and/or participation in collaborative research programs, particularly related to numerical model development and implementation.
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills to technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with offshore energy, marine construction, or geophysical sound sources.
- Familiarity with marine mammal, protected species, and/or sensitive habitat impact assessment methodologies applicable in a variety of countries.
- Knowledge of underwater noise mitigation strategies, including source reduction measures, operational mitigation, noise abatement systems, monitoring-based mitigation, and adaptive management approaches for offshore activities.
- Use and/or knowledge of innovative acoustic sampling technologies, such as AUVs (e.g., gliders) or UAVs (e.g., drones).
- Management of multiple projects, including personnel, budgets, and schedules.
- Client/relationship management.
About Venterra:
The Venterra Group is a dedicated wind energy services group at the forefront of driving the clean energy transition. Venterra engineer, build and support the operations of major wind developments around the World by providing specialist, technical and comprehensive services at every stage of the project lifecycle. The Venterra vision is to become the global services champion and strategic partner supporting the wind industry’s rapid expansion.
At Venterra, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued. We believe that diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives make us stronger and help us achieve better outcomes. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.