Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Shellfish Researcher to provide support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA.
We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the US government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.
Description
The employee will coordinate with the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and West Coast Region of Fisheries (Central Puget Sound Branch & Oregon/Washington Aquaculture Coordinator) to assist with the following key tasks:
Literature Review/Calculator learning:
Compile and conduct an assessment of relevant literature to inform ecosystem effects of shellfish aquaculture. Assess relevance to shellfish aquaculture in the US portions of the Salish Sea including all five marine basins delineated as service areas for use with the Nearshore Calculator. Synthesize and communicate findings to scientific, management and industry audiences. Invest in in-depth learning of the nearshore calculator and Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act, including how the calculator works, the underlying literature, data inputs, analytical approach and how it is applied to aquaculture projects.
Gain Regional Expertise:
When possible, conduct site visits to regional shellfish farms to gain an understanding of aquaculture practices. Take photos of gear and growing practices at each site, pending permission of the grower. When possible, join research teams in the field to promote awareness of ongoing research applications.
Effects of Aquaculture:
Using results from Task 1 and 2, evaluate how benefits/impacts from different aquaculture techniques affect Physical and Biological Features (PBFs) for salmon based on best available science. Evaluate if these benefits/impacts are generally included in the indicator effect pathways outlined in Ehinger et al 2023. Amend the indicator effect pathways description as appropriate for aquaculture. Detail if any relevant indicator effect pathways may not be included and how they could be added in an update.
Prototype Development:
For aquaculture techniques for which the most relevant indicator effect pathways are considered in the Nearshore Calculator, evaluate if current tabs allow for appropriate quantification of impacts. For those applications, develop demonstration examples of how shellfish aquaculture activities that require federal permitting may be addressed by the Nearshore Calculator. Demonstration growing methods shall include shellfish on-bottom culture, flip bag culture, long-line culture, geoduck culture and co-culture with seaweed and infrastructure associated with shellfish culture, such as buoys, nearshore hardening/boat launches, etc.
Draft Recommendations:
Based on steps one through four, develop proposed additions/adjustments to the calculator for shellfish projects. Present draft recommendations for feedback from applicable Northwest Fisheries Science Center and West Coast Region of Fisheries staff.
Develop Guidance:
Develop instructions to NOAA Fisheries Staff regarding how these adjustments to the calculator can be incorporated for use by NOAA staff, tribes, the public and other stakeholders.
Communication:
Share results, conclusions, guidance with interested and relevant audiences, including relevant conferences and meetings. In collaboration with NOAA staff, provide an overview of findings for regional aquaculture and marine habitat teams, tribes, the public and other stakeholders. Develop a synthesis manuscript for publication in a peer reviewed journal that includes the literature review findings and relevant results regarding how this information might be used to inform management tools and calculators.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $32–$42 per hour.
Requirements
Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study as related to the requirements of this specific task order with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus five (5) years of experience in related field or combination of such totaling nine (9) years combined education and experience. Master’s Degree in related field plus one (1) year experience or Ph.D. may be substituted for experience.
- At least four years of academic research experience focused on fish populations, shellfish, submerged aquatic vegetation and/or nearshore habitat data.
- Experience working in estuary or nearshore habitats on the west coast.
- Experience with shellfish aquaculture practices and submerged aquatic vegetation (eelgrass and/or kelp).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Familiarity with R or ArcGIS, modeling and data analysis, and experience writing and publishing peer-reviewed articles.
- Familiarity with approaches and tools used by managers to value habitats
- Knowledge and expertise of NOAA Fisheries policies and programs
- Experience with planning, and Federal financial management and operations
- Working with diverse interdisciplinary teams
- Current MS Office skills
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
- Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.
