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Waitt Project Specialist (Assistant or Associate Specialist) - Marine Science Institute

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Position description

The Sustainable Fisheries Group (SFG) (http://sfg.msi.ucsb.edu/) is a research team affiliated with the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management and the Marine Science Institute at UCSB. SFG is also part of the Environmental Market Solutions Lab (emLab) (http://emlab.msi.ucsb.edu/), a new interdisciplinary research enterprise at UCSB focused on developing market-based solutions for some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. SFG uses bioeconomic modeling, spatial analysis, and big data analytics to develop innovative science and improve the ecological and economic performance of fisheries and other ocean uses.

SFG seeks an individual to provide scientific support for a partnership with the Waitt Institute (http://waittinstitute.org/) focused on an initiative that collaborates with governments and communities around the world to improve the productivity and sustainability of their marine resources and ecosystems through comprehensive marine spatial planning. The successful candidate will have the technical skills required to: research and effectively synthesize scientific literature, manage and analyze large datasets, conduct spatial analyses and help develop bioeconomic models. The successful applicant will also be a flexible team player who is able to effectively prioritize and adaptively manage tasks in a fast pace environment. The successful candidate will also work with partners on the ground to communicate results to diverse audiences, and develop outreach materials aimed at non-technical audiences--to inform management decisions and policy outcomes.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Gathering, synthesizing, and visualizing data from relevant global environmental datasets;
● Conducting literature reviews on the blue economic sectors, marine policy landscape, and current conservation practices in target geographies;
● Socializing results with relevant government officials and other stakeholder groups on the ground.

Basic Qualifications
● Master's degree in environmental science and management, marine science, ecology, natural resource economics, fishery science, or a related field at time of application

Additional Qualifications
● 1-3 years of experience providing technical research support to applied projects

Preferred Qualifications
● Coding skills and proficiency with R and GitHub;
● Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with academic, NGO and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team;
● Ability to work independently and balance a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously;
● Excellent computer skills including fluency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs, Gmail, Box, and Google Calendar;
● Excellent quantitative, statistical and modeling skills, including experience using models related to fisheries management, aquaculture, MPA design, and/or marine spatial planning;
● Excellent communication skills to contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications, deliver presentations, and translate scientific concepts for diverse audiences;
● Willingness to travel internationally.

100% time appointment for one year from start date, with a strong possibility for additional year(s) of employment contingent upon performance. The start date is negotiable, but ideally would start in March 2019. Full benefits package included.

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

For full consideration, please apply by February 22, 2019

Thereafter, position will be open until filled.

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references online at: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF01471

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Santa Barbara, California