Design strategies to advance science in support of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s U.S. and California ocean conservation goals. Lead the creation and implementation of conservation science initiatives, multi-institutional partnerships, and research activities, including with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).
Oversee multidisciplinary teams of scientists and operational staff and serve as a science advisor for the U.S. and California Ocean Conservation Program team and other Aquarium programs and teams. Serve as a public spokesperson for the Aquarium on ocean science topics. Develop and guide activities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and access at the Aquarium and in the ocean science and conservation fields. Uphold the Aquarium’s core values of scientific rigor and integrity. Perform other duties as required.
Core Activities:
- Design strategies to advance science in support of the Aquarium’s U.S. and California ocean conservation goals, including promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at the Aquarium and in the external ocean science and conservation communities.
- Develop and manage the implementation of conservation science initiatives, including the establishment of multi-institutional partnerships with academic, government, conservation, and other groups.
- Coordinate internally on conservation science initiatives with the U.S. and California Ocean Conservation Program, across Aquarium departments, and with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
- Oversee teams of multidisciplinary staff, including scientists, program managers, animal care practitioners, and external contractors.
- Direct research to fill knowledge gaps to advance U.S. and California ocean conservation goals; disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and public presentations, among other communication formats.
- Serve as a lead science advisor for departments across the Aquarium, including participation in the Aquarium’s Research Oversight Committee; provide science advice and input to the U.S. and California Ocean Conservation Program team on federal and state policy positions and activities.
- Develop and report progress on annual work plans and budgets. Produce updates for and deliver presentations to Aquarium leadership, including the Board of Trustees.
- Serve as a public and media science spokesperson for the Aquarium.
- Oversee the integrity of U.S. & California ocean conservation program scientific processes, protocols, and products; this includes evaluating scientific methods, drafting policies and procedures, and reviewing science communication materials.
- Represent the Aquarium on external advisory bodies and committees and testify on behalf of the Aquarium in decision-making forums, such as legislative committee hearings.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- PhD degree in Marine Ecology, Marine Conservation or related field or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- 10+ years of experience in conducting, reviewing, and publishing scientific research
- 6+ years of experience managing interdisciplinary science staff and teams
- 10+ years developing and implementing strategies relating to marine conservation, particularly in the field of wildlife and ecosystem restoration and protection
- Experience with state and federal ocean policy
- Proven track record of collaboration with scientists from academic, government, NGO, and other science institutions
- Extensive engagement in multi-partner conservation initiatives
- Strong understanding of current issues in ocean conservation
- Experience engaging with media outlets (print, online, TV, film) to translate marine science and conservation to the general public
- Proven research, analysis and writing skills
- Extensive relationships throughout the fields of ocean science and conservation
- High proficiency with analytical software (R, Matlab, Python, etc.)
- Experience developing work plans, budgets and reporting
- Proven ability to work as part of a team to develop and achieve conservation outcomes
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
- Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
- Typical office equipment, some boating
- Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
- Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
- Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events, scientific research vessels, research lab space
Annual Compensation Range:
$120,600-$154,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
