RESPONSIBILITIES
Scientific Activities (~40%)
- Stay informed on current science and research related to estuarine ecology, specifically issues affecting Sarasota Bay.
- Develop and maintain databases and geospatial products to support scientific analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
- Facilitate the synthesis and interpretation of existing data to provide guidance on estuary environmental issues.
- Develop reports on indicators of Sarasota Bay health by collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting key indicators of bay health, including water quality, habitat condition, and biological metrics.
- Track progress on the Water Quality Protection Plan for Sarasota Bay and provide annual updates to the Water Quality Report Card.
- Work with SBEP staff, partners, and local communities to set science priorities and participate in research on Sarasota Bay.
- Coordinate community engagement through citizen science for the Eyes on Seagrass monitoring program and new initiatives as needed.
- Implement the SBEP Habitat Restoration Plan by evaluating ecological conditions and data to make appropriate project recommendations.
- Implement the SBEP Monitoring Plan by collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting key indicators of bay health, including water quality, habitat condition, and biological metrics.
- Work with SBEP staff to track Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) implementation.
Project Management (~40%)
- Serve as coordinator and project manager for SBEP’s technical projects and contracts.
- Develop scopes of work, prepare Request for Proposals (RFP) language, and coordinate the contractor selection process including advertisement and review of proposals.
- Develop work plans, project timelines, vendor contracts, and purchase orders.
- Develop and closely monitor project budgets, review invoices, and ensure invoices are submitted in a timely manner.
- Oversee day-to-day activities of contractors and facilitate the final review to ensure all project goals are met.
- Develop grant-funded science and restoration initiatives, including proposal development, budgeting, project management, and reporting.
Science Communication (~15%)
- Coordinate and facilitate the SBEP’s Technical Advisory Committee. Provide consistent communication to members, develop meeting agendas, recruit guest speakers, and engage new members.
- Communicate with other scientists and stakeholders at academic organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies about issues related to Sarasota Bay.
- Ensure partners and policy makers have necessary information regarding SBEP policies, programs, and data to assist in implementation of the CCMP.
- Translate scientific information on Sarasota Bay for the public and work alongside the Public Outreach staff to provide technical input for SBEP’s website, e-newsletters, and social media.
- Make presentations to community groups about SBEP goals, projects, programs, and ecological issues that affect Bay health.
- Serve on committees and workgroups concerned with addressing the complex issues impacting Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
- Cultivate existing, and invite new, partnerships with science leaders and organizations to protect and improve Bay health.
Administrative Tasks (~5%)
- Compile and submit the habitat restoration implementation progress reports (e.g., NEPORT).
- Contribute to the writing and editing of annual work plans and EPA mid-year and annual reports.
- On a five-to-ten-year cycle, provide updates to the Habitat Restoration Master Plan and Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and assist with CCMP updates.
- Additional duties as reasonably assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: biology, chemistry, ecology, marine science, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field; and six (6) or more years of directly related work experience in environmental science, estuarine management, or coastal restoration.
- Master’s degree in one of the following fields: biology, chemistry, ecology, marine science, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field; and three (3) or more years of directly related work experience in environmental science, estuarine management, or coastal restoration.
- Doctoral degree in one of the following fields: biology, chemistry, ecology, marine science, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field; and two (2) or more years of directly related work experience in environmental science, estuarine management, or coastal restoration.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated project management experience, including budget development and oversight, contractor or consultant coordination, permit oversight, and evaluation of deliverables.
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in estuarine science and management, particularly in water quality and coastal habitat restoration.
- Proven written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex environmental topics to diverse audiences including scientists, resource managers, policy boards, elected officials, and the public.
- Experience leading multi-stakeholder workgroups, including federal, state, local, non-governmental, and community participants.
- Ability to facilitate consensus among diverse scientific and resource management stakeholders on complex environmental issues.
- Familiarity with quantitative data analysis techniques and statistical tools.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS or related geospatial software.
- Willingness to reside in or relocate to the watershed area.
- Ability to provide own transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, and comply with Florida vehicle insurance laws.
- Capability to perform fieldwork in challenging environments, including:
- Boarding and exiting watercraft
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Walking over one mile
- Lifting up to 50 lbs
- Working in conditions with uneven terrain, dense vegetation, high temperatures, sun exposure, and potential exposure to irritating plants and animals
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience working for a public (federal, state, or local) agency.
- Professional experience addressing environmental issues applicable to Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
- Experience conducting scientific research, preferably in estuarine science and/or water quality management.
- Extensive technical understanding of broad range of issues related to watershed management, including water quality monitoring and assessment, non-point source pollution, stormwater management, habitat restoration, and invasive species identification and control.
- Demonstrated experience in environmental data collection, management, and analysis.
- Proficiency in spatial analysis (GIS).
- Experience in scientific reporting and synthesis.
- Experience in grant and contract management.
- Experience in project planning and implementation.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently and strategically.
- Boating experience, knowledge of local waterways, and/or completion of an approved boating safety course.
Salary range: $70,000 to $80,000
Application deadline:
