Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) was founded in 1980 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the world’s whales from extinction. PWF solely owns a social enterprise that offers fee-based programs and services through PacWhale Eco-Adventures to help support its nonprofit work.
Combined with memberships, donations, charitable grants, and a remarkable group of dedicated volunteers, PWF now reaches more than 400,000 individuals each year through its Maui and Australia offices and research projects in Ecuador and Chile.
We are seeking a seasoned Chief Research Scientist to join our team. The CRS reports to the Executive Director/CEO and co-manages Pacific Whale Foundation's (PWF) research department in partnership with the Chief Research Biologist. This position is based at PWF's headquarters in Maui, Hawaii. CRS is responsible for overseeing field research and science programs to ensure the production of top-quality science.
Our ideal candidate connects strongly to our mission, understands conservation practices and environmental responsibility, and must have a master’s degree in marine biology or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of work experience. Will also accept a PhD in marine biology or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience. Must also have knowledge of (1) object or component orientated development software such as R; (2) GIS-R and ArcGIS; (3) Discovery; (4) Distance; (5) MATLAB; and (6) MARK and SOCPROG and experience managing and maintaining National Marine Fisheries Service research permits, such as permit Principal Investigator or Chief Investigator, and be a dynamic leader who can nurture and develop teams, and embraces PWF’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) efforts.
Salary is $135,117. This is a full time, salaried, exempt position based at our headquarters in Ma’alaea Harbor on the beautiful island of Maui. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required. We offer a generous benefits package and amazing perks.
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director, Chief Research Scientist (CRS) co-manages Pacific Whale Foundation's (PWF) research department in partnership with the Chief Research Biologist. This position is based at PWF's headquarters in Maui, Hawaii. CRS is responsible for overseeing field research and science programs to ensure the production of top-quality science.
RESPONSIBILITIES
People Management & Leadership
- Ensure effective recruiting, hiring, onboarding, professional development, performance management and retention of Department management and staff
- Identify and develop a high-performing bench for leadership succession planning
- Support management team to achieve results, striking an effective balance between results achieved and manager engagement and retention; establish and maintain a respectful and inclusive work environment where team members thrive, and organizational outcomes are met
- Ensure optimal staffing and workload allocation across departments
General Responsibilities
- Develop and lead the data science and analytical strategies for Pacific Whale Foundation’s research
- Direct data entry and collection including quality control and study design
- Identify areas of opportunity where analytics can drive improved department performance
- Direct field efforts and captain research vessel for all Hawaii field work and projects
- Develop and lead team of research biologists to carry out required work
- Liaison with other research organizations to build collaborations and expand research efforts
- Maintain Hawaii research permits including renewals and reports
- Prepare research proposals and funding applications
- Supervision of research team (staff, interns, and volunteers)
- Manage manuscript submissions and topics
- Travel to present at conferences/workshops, as required
- Author reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts
- Understand and demonstrate core values of transparency, respect, and integrity
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
- Will accept a Master's degree in marine biology or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of work experience. Will also accept a PhD in marine biology or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience.
- Experience managing and maintaining National Marine Fisheries Service research permits, such as permit Principal Investigator or Chief Investigator
- Knowledge of (1) object or component orientated development software such as R; (2) GIS-R and ArcGIS; (3) Discovery; (4) Distance; (5) MATLAB; and (6) MARK and SOCPROG.
- Experience with scientific writing and presentations, such as peer-reviewed journal articles and reports as well as conference attendance
- Experience supervising staff biologists and managing research projects
- Experience driving research vessels (under 30 feet long with outboard engines) around marine animals
- Critical thinking: Advanced analytical skills including manipulating, analyzing and interpreting data
- Experience developing collaborations and partnerships with external organizations
- Develop and lead the data science and analytical strategies for Pacific Whale Foundation’s research
- Direct data entry and collection including quality control and study design
- Identify areas of opportunity where analytics can drive improved department performance
- Direct field efforts and captain research vessel for all Hawaii field work and projects
- Develop and lead team of research biologists to carry out required work
- Liaison with other research organizations to build collaborations and expand research efforts
- Maintain Hawaii research permits including renewals and reports
- Prepare research proposals and funding applications
- Supervision of research team (staff, interns, and volunteers)
- Manage manuscript submissions and topics
- Travel to present at conferences/workshops, as required
- Author reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts
