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The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science invites applications for a full-time Research Associate II to work on two Deepwater Horizon (DWH) projects: Lower Trophic Level Monitoring for Barataria Basin and Monitoring the Effects of Coastal Wetland Restoration on Fish and Invertebrates. We seek an individual to join the Population and Ecosystem Monitoring Division’s Habitat Ecology Branch (HEB) and conduct estuarine fieldwork and sample processing at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center Galveston Laboratory located in Galveston, TX.

The incumbent will work with HEB project leads to implement and conduct two large-scale DWH Monitoring and Adaptive Management (MAM) projects focused on lower trophic level and nekton baseline assessments relevant to restoration activities in Louisiana estuaries. The successful applicant will work closely and directly with HEB project leads on all aspects of project implementation. The incumbent will be responsible for coordination of activities for both projects including planning for field sampling, scheduling personnel, arranging travel, maintaining sampling equipment, leading and participating in quarterly field sampling trips, overseeing sample processing in the laboratory, maintaining sample inventories, assisting in technical training and QA/QC procedures, data entry and management, and providing analytical support of compiled datasets. The successful candidate should have a solid background in fisheries science including sampling animal populations in the field and identifying marine organisms in the laboratory.

Location: Galveston, TX; quarterly travel is required.

Essential job functions include:
●Project coordination including participating in planning activities for field sampling,coordinating logistics, preparing equipment, scheduling project team members, andorganizing laboratory activities
●Assisting with technical training and development of junior team members
●Coordinate with a large team of NOAA biologists as well as internal and externalcollaborators
●Perform intensive field work and travel to coastal areas of Louisiana for up to 16 days perquarter
●Conduct quantitative sampling of nekton and benthic communities in estuarine habitats incoastal bay systems using drop samplers, throw traps, and sediment cores
●Sort and identify preserved nekton and benthic organisms from field samples
●Conduct QA/QC protocols of sample sorting and organism identification
●Use instrumentation in the field and in the laboratory to measure environmental variablesincluding salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity
●Enter sample data into approved databases and complete QA/QC protocols on data files
●Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment including laboratory vehicles, smallboats and motors, trailers, pumps, water quality instrumentation, computers, GPS units,laboratory chemicals, storage areas, microscopes, and designated work spaces

Required Qualifications:
●Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, ecology, aquatic science, fishery science, or a related field plus a minimum of two years of demonstrated experience participating in field sampling and laboratory sample processing

●Experience in project management with strong management skills and capable of participating in field sampling expeditions involving multiple crews

●Experience sampling aquatic organisms in coastal environments

●Specific knowledge of freshwater, brackish, and marine organisms including nekton and benthic infauna found in coastal areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico

●Demonstrated experience identifying aquatic nekton and benthic species using microscopes and taxonomic keys

●Proficient with database and word processing software packages including Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Earth, Gmail, and Google Docs

●Self-motivated, demonstrated ability to work independently, strong task and time management skills

●Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

●Experience operating small boats and trailers

●Ability to work well in a team aboard small boats while conducting field work

●Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills, strongly detail oriented, excellent organizational skills with a track record of successful leadership

●Willingness to travel on a quarterly basis to remote areas for extended periods of time

●Ability to participate in and lead field trips, conduct work on uneven terrain, and able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Apply online at: www.miami.edu/careers. A current curriculum vitae, cover letter, and the names of three references are required with application.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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