TITLE: MARINE ECOLOGIST
SUPERVISOR: Director of
Conservation Science
LOCATION: Seattle, Washington
PREPARER: Jacques White & Elizabeth Gray
DATE PREPARED: May 06, 2008
START DATE: July 1, 2008
SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Marine Ecologist is responsible for
planning and implementing research and monitoring efforts and
identifying priority areas for protection and restoration that
further The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals in the marine
environment. S/he will provide scientific leadership to help the
Conservancy's marine team implement the full array of strategies
developed through ecoregional planning, statewide strategic planning,
conservation action planning (CAP), as well as tracking measures of
conservation success (MOS). These efforts will be carried out in
cooperation with agency, private, non-profit and academic partners in
priority landscapes, including Skagit and Port Susan Bays, the San
Juan Islands, the South Sound Inlets, the Olympic Peninsula including
outer coast and Hood Canal, and other areas identified as priorities
by the Washington state field office. The Marine Ecologist serves
as a catalyst for advancing strategic partnerships with public agency
and university staff and/or other organizations engaged in studies
related to marine conservation. S/he also plays a role in preparing
grant proposals for funding from federal, state, local or private
sources for applied marine conservation and research projects at TNC
and partner sites.. This position requires close cooperation with all
departments of The Nature Conservancy's Washington State office, and
especially the Director of Marine Conservation as well as outside
partners such as federal, state and local government scientists,
tribes, conservation organizations, and academic institutions. This
is a full-time, exempt position supervised by the Director of
Conservation Science. This position is expected to start
1 July 2008.
DUTIES
1. Participate as an active member of the marine team as it sets
and refines conservation priorities, launches conservation
strategies, and measures success in terms of the Conservancy's
biodiversity conservation mission.
2. Participate as an active member of the Washington Conservation
Science team, providing scientific expertise and guidance to team
members on issues of statewide and regional importance.
3. Synthesize and integrate available research data to advance our
understanding of the condition and status of biodiversity in the
marine environment. Use this process to inform and develop effective
conservation strategies to abate critical threats and maintain or
improve biodiversity health.
4. Advise and assist in implementation of high-priority
conservation strategies in the nearshore environment, including
marine riparian, tidal, subtidal and shelf habitats of Skagit and
Port Susan bays, southern Puget Sound inlets, Hood Canal, the San
Juan Islands, and outer coast ecosystems of Washington state.
5. Develop a research agenda that identifies critical information
needs for marine conservation, partnership opportunities with
agencies and academic institutions, and presents a plan for
implementation of research projects that focus on conservation
targets and threat abatement strategies for nearshore and coastal
marine species, communities, habitats and ecosystems.
6. Develop high-leverage management and research programs that
demonstrate innovative practices, investigate new techniques, involve
and enhance partnerships, and provide a model that can be exported to
other projects inside and outside the Conservancy.
7. Coordinate fieldwork and logistical support for research,
marine protection and restoration project development and monitoring,
which includes fieldwork such as ecosystem and ecological site
assessment and field monitoring.
8. Assist in developing and maintaining active partnerships with
federal, tribal, state, and municipal agencies, NGOs, and local
communities involved in protecting or managing priority nearshore and
seascapes in Washington.
9. Develop strategic partnerships with academic researchers and
create opportunities for collaboration between academic and TNC
scientists in addressing issues related to protection and restoration
of nearshore marine species, communities, habitats and ecosystems
10. Represent The Nature Conservancy on select planning teams and
provide expertise for local and regional marine conservation initiatives.
11. Participate in other marine program activities as needed to
ensure conservation success including public and private fundraising
and community outreach.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. Advanced degree in marine sciences, ecology, ecological
restoration, conservation biology, botany, zoology, or closely
related field. At least 5 years successful work experience, including
field work, in applied conservation biology or related field, with a
focus in marine environments.
2. Professional familiarity with the flora and fauna of nearshore
and coastal marine environments in the Pacific Northwest. A good
working knowledge of the key ecological processes that maintain the
region's native marine species and communities is essential. Basic
knowledge of conservation planning and management desirable.
3. Demonstrated skills in research and experimental design, data
collection, and statistical analysis.
4. Excellent written and verbal communications skills a must.
Ability to meet project deadlines. Strong organizational skills.
5. Strong record of publishing research results in peer-reviewed
scientific journals.
6. Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of
individuals, including partner organizations, local constituencies,
volunteers and staff. Strong team ethic required; ability to work
effectively as a team leader or member.
7. Familiarity with marine conservation issues. Knowledge and
appreciation of the people, values, and current conservation issues
of western Washington.
8. Commitment to practical solutions to conservation challenges.
Experience designing and conducting field research to inform
immediate and long-term conservation action.
9. Experience using maps, aerial photography, and GPS.
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Basic word-processing,
spreadsheet, and database skills essential; working knowledge of
ArcView/ArcInfo and/or other Geographic Information Systems
technology highly recommended.
11. Good physical condition. Work requires physical exertion such as
walking over rough terrain in various weather conditions.
12. Valid driver's license and automobile for use on the job.
13. Ability to deploy and operate small power boats a plus.
14. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity.
Send cover letter and resume by 30 May 2008 to:
Marine Ecologist Search Committee
The Nature Conservancy of Washington
1917 First Avenue,
Seattle, Washington 98101
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
