Overview

Ocean Associates Inc. is seeking a candidate who will provide professional support to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Honolulu, Hawaii to lead a Coral Species Identification Training Program and conduct new ESA status reviews for at-risk Indo-Pacific reef corals.  The successful candidate does NOT need to live in Hawaii. Ocean Associates Inc. conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries, protected species, and habitats.

 

Duties

 

Conduct at least one 1-day classroom-based coral identification training for ESA-listed corals and other reef coral species of interest at each of the following locations: (1) Honolulu, Hawaii; (2) Guam; (3) Saipan; (4) American Samoa; (5) Majuro, RMI; (6) Kosrae, FSM; (7) Pohnpei, FSM; (8) Chuuk, FSM; (9) Yap, FSM; (10) Palau; (11) Fiji; (12) Wallis & Futuna; and (13) Samoa.  The exact dates and locations will depend on demand by the hosting agencies and participants.  At some locations, multiple training sessions may be necessary to accommodate demand.  The program trains coral reef surveyors, scientists, and managers on the application of the standardized species identification methodology to improve consistency in coral surveys in the US Pacific Islands, FAS, and the South Pacific.
Contribute species-specific information to new ESA status reviews for at-risk Indo-Pacific reef corals. The total number of coral status reviews would likely be between 50 and 100 species. For each species, the status review would include a review of all relevant information, including the taxonomy, identification, distribution, abundance, and susceptibilities to threats. The status reviews require application of the best available scientific and commercial information, including published and unpublished reports and data.
 

Work Location:  Honolulu, Hawaii or remote

 

Travel: International travel required

Minimum experience or background 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 specific task order with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus seven (7) years of experience in related field or combination of such totaling twelve (12) years combined education and experience. Master’s Degree in related field plus four (4) years’ experience or Ph.D. may be substituted for experience.
In addition to the above basic qualifications, the candidate must have the following specific qualifications:

 

A minimum of 20 years of experience with Indo-Pacific reef-building coral species identification.
Extensive coral reef field work experience in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa.
A high level of familiarity with the 2014 final ESA coral listing rule.
A high level of familiarity with current coral and coral reef scientific literature.
Extensive experience with coral ESA status reviews.