Inspired by a vision to restore the iconic boat and bring her back into service for research and education, he launched the Western Flyer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission “to stir curiosity by connecting art and science in the spirit of John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, and their journey on the Western Flyer.”
The Western Flyer Foundation aims to integrate the sciences and humanities, drawing from the collaborative vision of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts. Through our STEAM programs (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), teachers, researchers, and students will experience and study marine and coastal ecosystems while immersing themselves in the rich literary and historical traditions associated with the Western Flyer.
We are piloting a program called SEACOAST (STEAM Experiential Approach to Critical Ocean and Atmosphere Science Topics) to engage high school and post-secondary students and their teachers in ocean and atmospheric science through classroom and field activities on the Western Flyer. The vessel will be equipped with research-grade instrumentation, and student learning experiences will center on participant engagement with these technologies. Students will participate in activities using marine research equipment, such as:
- Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) to document and monitor key features of the water column.
- Scientific echosounder to document schools of fish and invertebrates.
- Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to document benthic terrain and individual organisms.
- Plankton nets to capture living zooplankton and study onboard with video microscopes.
Position Summary
The Western Flyer Foundation seeks a Science Manager to oversee the science and research activities onboard the Western Flyer.
Responsibilities and scope:
- Work closely with WFF staff, Science Committee, and partners to develop at-sea STEAM activities on the Western Flyer.
- Develop background information modules for SEACOAST topics to support the education program (i.e., oceanography, meteorology, and links to marine ecology).
- Operate and maintain scientific instrumentation onboard the vessel and develop guides and processes for instruments.
- Train and assist students and teachers on the proper and safe use of instruments and data collection.
- Conduct ongoing data acquisition, archiving, and management and share with appropriate public databases.
- Help strategize development of a student-friendly user interface for visualizing and sharing data between participating classes.
- Prepare and deliver regular updates on data and performance for staff and the WFF Science Committee.
- Participate in Western Flyer-sponsored research as opportunities arise.
- Provide research and writing support for grant proposals and reports.
- As a vital member of a small team, assist with communications and outreach, events, administrative tasks, strategic planning, and other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Degree in the natural or physical sciences or engineering, and three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree or above desired.
- Strong background in oceanography, including conducting research on a vessel at sea.
- Experience with instrumentation, including engineering and data acquisition (maritime data collection techniques preferred).
- Proficiency in a structured programming language such as Python, Matlab, etc.
- Strong communication and organization skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.
- Ability to travel to communities along the West Coast from Baja to Alaska (estimated 25% of the time).
Salary and Benefits
Salary range between $65,000 and $80,000. Generous benefits and paid time off.
Application deadline: November 15, 2022
