Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
Environmental, Operations and Construction (EOC) operates within HDR’s Federal Business Group, capable of delivering services across all HDR business groups at any location. Our work is performed by our professional staff, scientists and engineers at remote sites, embedded in client office space or our own facilities. EOC delivers quality engineering, environmental, and construction management services at competitive prices.
HDR EOC’s Marine Science team is currently in need of a Marine Mammal Biologist / Technical Project Manager to work out of our Virginia Beach, VA office. In this role, you will assist our U.S. Navy client with a wide range of project management, aerial survey, vessel-based fieldwork, reporting, and team support in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (Mexico), and Pacific Ocean operating areas as well as assist with expanding our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area.
The ideal candidate will have consulting and project management expertise along with an extensive knowledge in Marine Science with specific interests focused on one or more of the following: marine mammal behavior, ecology, abundance, distribution, health assessments using UAS, behavioral responses to stimuli, and/or understanding anthropogenic effects on marine mammals. This position is subject to a governmental background check.
In the role of Marine Biologist Project Manager, we’ll count on you to:
- Manage multiple projects from conception, planning, budgeting, reporting, and completion
- Perform scientific/environmental project assignments requiring application of moderately complex objectives and limited variables
- Direct the work of scientists, subcontractors, technical, and clerical personnel
- Work independently on medium-size projects, or assist more-senior scientists on larger projects
- Conduct biological field surveys, data interpretation and analysis, and plan and manage written environmental reports
- Conduct assessments to determine potential impacts from military or energy activities
- Work on assignments that require dealing with diverse working conditions while in the field as needed
- Work aboard vessels, small (twin-engine) aircraft, and possibly an HDR 30′ research vessel
- Work on projects requiring scuba diving
- Deploy offshore passive acoustic monitoring gear and which may include overnight and/or multi-day trips
- Conduct analysis of acoustic data collected from whale suction-cup tags, behavioral studies or controlled exposure experiments
- Assist with offshore aerial surveys for large whales
- Biopsy sampling of free-ranging dolphins or whales
- Assist with vessels surveys
- Conduct photo-identification studies
- Publish scientific and technical reports
- Assist with other field work as needed
- Potentially assist other HDR clients with project management and team support roles
- Have excellent time management skills
- Have a strong work-ethic with demonstrated history of reliability and team-oriented performance
- Travel up to 25% throughout the United States
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master or Ph.D. in Marine Biology or a related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant marine mammal-related experience, managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology, ecology, or behavior in a consulting, federal government, or university-related research capacity
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology with a minimum of 5 years relevant marine mammal-focused experience, managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology, ecology, or behavior in a consulting, federal government, or university-related research capacity
- Ability to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) upon hire
- Ability to obtain clearance at the Secret level
- Have a current or obtain a security clearance at the secret level. Please research the clearance requirements before applying
- Highly proficient in writing procedures, guide, and/or studies
- Knowledge of US Navy training, oil and gas development, construction noise monitoring, or offshore renewable energy activities
- Experience with manned aerial systems and FAA Part 107 certification
- Scuba diving experience – scientific or extensive open-water experience
- MATLAB and/or R Studio programming experience
- Local candidates preferred
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology or closely related field
- A minimum of 5 years experience managing biological/environmental projects
- Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
