The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States. Located along the glistening beaches of Gloucester, Virginia, VIMS provides research, education, and advisory services to government, citizens, students, and industry in coastal oceans and estuary science. VIMS is transforming data into policies, students into leaders, and theories into tangible change for solutions to global problems and to restore marine life.
The successful incumbent will gain experience in large nationwide project management, stakeholder engagement, and assessing the impacts of derelict fishing gear on various fisheries and marine environments and potential policy solutions.
The Marine Scientist Senior position is a technical support position within CCRM (The Center for Coastal Resources Management) and is directly supervised by the Center Assistant Director. The position exists to provide project management support for the high-profile National Derelict Fishing TRAP Program. Activities will involve coordination of applicants and sub awardees; this includes ensuring reporting deadlines and deliverables are met and planning annual meetings.
Responsibilities also include:
- Provides project management support for a large nationwide derelict trap removal program. Track program performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
- Participates with project reporting, tracking project milestones.
- Performs quality assurance and quality control, coordination with project partners and ongoing coordination and communication with the federal funding agency, NOAA/MDP, and with project participants/organizations.
Required Qualifications
EDUCATION / LICENSE:
- Advanced degree (M.A. or M.S.) in marine, fisheries, or environmental sciences or related fields or combination of education and equivalent experience working at the Advanced degree level.
- Licensed to operate motor vehicles in Virginia.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong analytical skills to track program performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
- Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including data collection and analysis, and reporting.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate program goals and requirements to stakeholders, including funding recipients, government agencies, and the public
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including commercial & recreational fishers, state and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and academic institutions.
- Strong proficiency in a variety of software applications particularly MS Office.
EXPERIENCE:
- Experience in project and grant management, including soliciting, and evaluating grant proposals.
- Experience monitoring grantee performance, coordinating communication with funding recipients, and conducting grantee evaluations.
- Demonstrated experience working with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office) for data organization, compilation, analysis, and presentation.
Preferred Qualifications
COMPETENCIES / EXPERIENCE:
- Strong understanding of marine conservation and the impacts of derelict fishing gear on the environment, marine life, and coastal communities.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies related to marine conservation, and fisheries management.
- Experience with website content development, data analysis, synthesis, and visualization.
- Experience with GIS.
Advertised Pay Range
- Up to $58,000, commensurate with experience.
