Quantitative Analysis, Predation Modeling, Data Synthesis Support

Note: We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide quantitative analysis, predation modeling, and data synthesis support services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. 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. 

 Background

The Fish Ecology Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) conducts scientific research on marine and anadromous species in the Pacific Northwest and California to support management of these species as mandated by the authorizing mechanisms outlined above. Some stocks are managed under the MSA to produce abundant harvest opportunities for commercial and recreational fishermen and to meet tribal treaty obligations, while others are in decline and protected by the ESA. The NWFSC also researches ways to improve aquaculture and increase seafood safety. Holistic understanding of all factors controlling the abundance and health of fisheries and aquaculture often requires an ecosystem approach, working to understand how managed natural resources are affected by their prey, competitors, predators, habitats, and humans. This position will support NWFSC staff and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, natural resource managers, and tribal representatives to conduct ecological research on species that NOAA is mandated to manage.

The NWFSC is a leader in quantitative analyses supporting fisheries management for marine and anadromous species. It produces increasingly large datasets as quantitative research techniques become more complex. Researchers examine complex relationships between managed stocks and their environments that involve highly technical statistical approaches that continue to rapidly evolve. The Center collaborates with regional partners to manage data and provide public access to empirical and modeled data products. There is a strong need for continued improvement in both the ability to conduct advanced quantitative analyses and to adeptly manage and share resulting research products. Modern fisheries management faces a growing data-capacity gap: data volume is surging while managers have less time to interpret complex research.

Tasks 

Key tasks include the following:

• Data Compilation & Spatial-Temporal Modeling: Compile, organize, and analyze large-scale spatial and temporal datasets. The Contractor shall use these datasets to evaluate the effects of localized environmental conditions on predator-prey distributions and predation rates on managed fish populations. 
• Scientific Communication: Synthesize analytical findings by authoring technical reports and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, and by presenting complex research results at regional management meetings and scientific conferences.
• Ecological Literature Reviews: Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to summarize and document the relationships between predator consumption rates, predator abundance and distribution, observed ecological outcomes, potential environmental stressors, and shifting environmental conditions. 
• Supplementary Field Support: Physical collection of fish and environmental data in freshwater and marine environments of the West Coast region. This requires safely operating outdoors in potentially harsh conditions, and may involve driving federal vehicles, boats, and trailers.
• Data Stewardship & Transparency: Standardize and share compiled data, comprehensive workflow protocols, and research products to ensure methodologies are transparent, reproducible, and interactive for internal partners and external stakeholders.

Start Date: Contingent upon award of contract.

Location: Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, or at one of its associated field stations in WA or OR.

Travel: Travel is anticipated. A valid driver’s license must be maintained.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $40.00 - $55.00 per hour.

Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Doctorate from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in a field of study related to the requirements of the task order including geomorphology, oceanography, hydrology, fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, and/or statistics.
• Five (5) or more years of experience related to the task order, including familiarity with the species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries in the West Coast region. An Advanced Degree in a related field may be substituted for two (MS) or four (PhD) years of experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and experience writing reports and publishing peer-reviewed articles. Familiarity with common software used in the workplace.
• Strong quantitative skills including familiarity with modeling and data analysis. Familiarity with software such as R, GitHub and GIS and with open science concepts.
• Professional Competencies: Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines. Personnel must be adaptable, capable of working both independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams.