Quantitative Ecologist

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for a Quantitative Ecologist to support SEFSC Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD).

Primary Function:

The Quantitative Ecologist will support data management and analysis for the SEFSC Marine Mammal & Turtle Division, applying statistical models and developing simulations to address complex scientific problems. Core focus areas include animal movement and habitat ecology, spatially explicit abundance modeling, marine mammal population dynamics, and quantitative risk assessment evaluating effects of natural and man-made stressors on marine mammal populations.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Develop analytical approaches to address complex questions in marine mammal spatial and/or behavioral ecology related to MMTD priorities and legislative mandates (MMPA and ESA), including assessments of the impact of stressors on marine mammal populations.
• Identify key data gaps and develop/propose approaches to improve or modify data collection efforts.
• Participate in fieldwork on an as-needed basis, including driving government vehicles; provide advice and assistance with data collection and data management protocols.
• Work with MMTD team members to formulate analytical solutions to marine mammal management questions that integrate existing data streams within NOAA.
• Develop written technical reports and peer-reviewed publications documenting project findings; disseminate scientific results via presentations to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Attend planning and coordination meetings with MMTD researchers virtually or in person.

Compensation:

Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates’ depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS Degree in Marine Science or related field plus five years of relevant experience.
• Experience with statistical analysis to investigate species-environment relationships, management of large datasets, and visualization of model outputs including species distribution maps.
• Experience with implementation of legislative mandates such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act for highly endangered marine mammal species.
• Experience developing survey/sampling design, relationships, and queries to support analyses of biological data from marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles, plus ancillary environmental and oceanographic data.
• Experience collecting marine biological data for research programs in support of government resource management recommendations.
• Experience providing technical advice to stakeholders and research collaborators on marine science, marine mammal research, and conservation.
• Proficiency in R/Python, GIS, or similar statistical analysis software for marine biological applications.
• Ability to organize, process, disseminate, and archive complex biological and environmental datasets using the latest data management tools, especially cloud-based solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences and publish/present research findings at peer-reviewed forums.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS Degree (or higher) in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography, Ecology, Statistics
• Experience working with oceanographic and/or climatological data.

Travel:

• Travel is required. Field data collection from varied surveys and platforms (aerial, ship, unmanned systems); participation in MMTD marine mammal and turtle research and outreach; meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Location:

• 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami FL 33149 (SEFSC Miami Laboratory)