Marine Research Scientist

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA 

Status: Full-time, exempt, 13-month position. No direct reports. 

What We Need 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking an Marine Research Scientist, a position responsible for operating as a key member of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) staff and working under the general guidance of the sanctuary’s Acting Superintendent.  

The position is needed to assist the team and team’s Research Ecologists in a wide variety of research activities and program support functions, which will aid the CHNMS team, particularly with: quantitative and qualitative data analysis, summary, report, and communication development, planning, organizing, and implementing meetings across knowledge systems.  The Marine Resrarch Scientist must be comfortable working with people across different knowledge systems, and will perform other administrative duties, as required. The person will work directly with the Acting Superintendent and sanctuary staff to define a specific work plan based on the following general task. This work plan will be updated as needed. 

The sanctuary headquarters is located at Technology Park, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo and is the primary location of the sanctuary’s research, resource protection and government relations activities. The majority of tasks will be performed at the sanctuary facilities at Cal Poly Tech Park. Travel will be required within the adjacent counties of the sanctuary, California, and potential else where depending on emerging requirements. 

What You’ll Do 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Support data management efforts including quantitative and qualitative analysis working with biological, physical, and chemical data with the ability to utilize R and other statistical software to organize and interpret datasets.
• Develop data summaries, technical reports, and science-based outreach communication tools as needed to support sanctuary management and public engagement.
• Update CHNMS webpage sections related to research, science, and monitoring in coordination with the ONMS Communications Team.
• Assist with cruise planning and logistics. Support at-sea experiences and field activities by participating in research aboard sanctuary vessels and partner platforms.
• Assist with planning and organizing workshops and meetings, including preparing agendas, facilitating logistics, synthesizing data, and producing post-workshop summaries.
• Provide oversight and guidance to interns and fellows.

Who You Are  

Required Qualifications:  

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in marine science, oceanography, biology, natural resources, or socio-ecological or related fields, or at least five years of relevant experience.
• At least two years of experience in research operations, data analysis, and field operations.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with R for statistical analysis
• Field skills: Demonstrated ability and comfort working on boats.
• Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills.
• Experience producing plain-language communication materials.
• Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and governments associated with the CHNMS.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects.
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with the public and holds high personable and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with ArcGIS.
• Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries.

Why You Will Love Us 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home and support coastal communities and economies.   

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
• Commuter Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: $74,000 to $80,000 annually, based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.   

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Applications received by December 22, 2025 will be preferred.  

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA  

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.