Position Description
Research Assistant
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
In collaboration with the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation
Introduction
This contract position is in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service, National Marine Sanctuary Program
(NMSP). The sanctuary program is responsible for the management of a nationwide
system of marine protected areas for the long-term benefit of the public. On-site
programs for research, education and resource protection are carried out to further the
mission of the National Marine Sanctuary Program. The Monterey Bay Sanctuary
Foundation (MBSF), a nonprofit partner to the National Marine Sanctuary Program, has
received funding to provide the services described in this announcement. The selected
individual will be an employee of the MBSF and serve as a Research Assistant for
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) based in Point Reyes, California.
Setting
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is an offshore marine managed area located
about 45 nautical miles northwest of San Francisco, California, and encompassing an area
of 1369 km2. The eastern boundary of the Sanctuary is 11km west of the Point Reyes
lighthouse and the western boundary is the 1000 fathom curve 55 km from shore. The
dominant feature of the Sanctuary is the rocky reef of Cordell Bank, which rises from the
soft sediments of the continental shelf about 40 km west of Point Reyes. Water depths
over the bank average about 65 meters, but along a few ridges and pinnacles, the bank
rises to within 35 meters of the ocean’s surface. The Sanctuary is located in the
California Current upwelling system and is a rich feeding area for resident and migratory
fishes, seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. The upper reef areas of the bank are
covered with a diverse assemblage of benthic invertebrates.
Statement of Duties
The research assistant will work with the Sanctuary Research Coordinator and staff to
ensure the protection of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Work will involve
assisting in the implementation of the site research plan with staff and partners.
Additional duties will require participating in resource protection, education and outreach
projects and programs. The position will involve mostly office work, with occasional
field work. Major duties of the research assistant will include:

Participate in Sanctuary research and monitoring activities. Collect, compile, edit,
and verify field data associated with monitoring and research projects related to
Sanctuary habitats and populations.

Oversee the operations of the Cordell Bank Ocean Monitoring Program, which
includes monthly surveys of the Cordell Bank pelagic ecosystem. This involves
all aspects of cruise operations, including organization of cruise participants
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(contract observers), maintenance of oceanographic equipment, collection of
various data sets (including CTD, thermosalinograph, scientific echosounder,
bird/mammal observations, photos), processing and storage of data, and
preparation of trip reports.

Input data, generate summary statistics, and create graphical representations of the
results. Work involves creating, applying, and maintaining various databases and
working with GIS specialist on preparation of data for GIS uses.

Assist in producing cruise reports, technical reports, manuscripts, and
presentations involving Sanctuary research.

Provide logistical assistance to research partners working within the sanctuary,
including operations aboard R/V Fulmar and NOAA vessel MacArthur II.

Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive bibliography of marine science
and management literature, especially as related to Cordell Bank National Marine
Sanctuary.

Work with the sanctuary education specialist to incorporate research and
monitoring results into education and outreach products and activities. This
includes printed materials, curricula, and web sites (including Cordell Bank NMS
website and Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN) website), along
with field trip activities.
Knowledge and Skills Required for the Position

B.S. or M.S. degree in related field, with a degree in Marine Ecology, Biology, or
Biological Oceanography preferred.

Knowledge of the basic principles of marine ecology, biology, and oceanography.
Knowledge specifically related to central/northern California or the California
Current System is preferred.

Knowledge of technical methods and procedures to carry out a variety of field,
lab, and office duties common to marine ecology, biology, and oceanography.

Knowledge of computer operation to perform word processing and data entry,
manipulation, management, and analysis using commercially available software,
including Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and statistical packages.

Skill in data presentation to assist in report, manuscript, oral presentation and
poster preparation using commercially available software, including Word,
PowerPoint, SigmaPlot.

Familiarity with marine resource management issues in California, especially
those that would be applicable to an offshore site. This would include issues
pertaining to habitat impacts, marine mammal and seabird disturbance,
recreational and commercial uses and water quality.
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
Ability to interact and work with a diverse cross section of people in a
professional and positive manner. Ability to comfortably interact and
communicate with the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Experience
preparing clear, well-organized written reports on research or resource
management topics, and experience making oral presentations summarizing
research projects and results. Must be able to communicate scientific concepts to
a wide variety of audiences ranging from scientists to the general public.

Ability to think creatively and work independently. The employee is expected to
exercise independence and initiate needed actions to complete assigned tasks.
Reporting Structure
The on-site Research Coordinator supervises the day-to-day activities of the research
assistant. The research coordinator works with the research assistant to make
assignments by defining goals, priorities, and deadlines. The research assistant works as
part of a team with the research coordinator and other staff to ensure the efficient and
effective accomplishment of on-site objectives. The research assistant initiates plans,
carries out the assignments, and handles problems and shifts in priorities with minimal
guidance. Refers unusual problems to supervisor accompanied with appropriate
recommendations or alternatives. The research coordinator reviews semi-annual work
plans with the research assistant. The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, Executive
Director, oversees financial and human resource matters.
Complexity
Projects involve problem definition, formulation of methods, conducting the study,
analysis of results, development of recommendations and related follow-up activities.
Promoting work by outside parties will involve working with a variety of different
institutions and interacting with individuals and groups. Management decisions often
require incorporating social and economic parameters into resource decisions.
Physical Demands
The majority of work will be in the Point Reyes, California office of the National Marine
Sanctuary. However, the contractor must have strength and agility to work in the field on
board vessels at sea, and have prior comparable field experience. The incumbent must be
in good physical condition and anticipate the demands of each field trip. The contractor
will participate on day trips on one of the sanctuary program’s research vessels (65’ R/V
Fulmar) home ported in Monterey Bay and spend extended periods of time at sea on
larger NOAA research vessels. The research assistant should not be susceptible to motion
sickness, with reasonable accommodation. The position requires moderate lifting (e.g. 50
lbs. to chest level) and movement of equipment typically found on ocean research
vessels.
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Work Environment
Work is diversified indoors and outdoors on both land and sea involving moderate
exposure to the elements, discomfort and risks. While working at the Sanctuary facility
in Point Reyes, California, the research assistant will be provided with a desk, telephone
and computer and have access to other common office equipment. Duties will
occasionally take the contractor away from site headquarters and into the community
working with people with diverse backgrounds, skills and expertise. Trips at sea on board
research vessels will be taken as part of research and monitoring efforts or special
projects. Fieldwork during and following a hazardous materials spill may be required as
part of an assessment or research project, with training provided previously. Travel
throughout the region, state and country will be required to attend meetings and training;
overnight travel will also occur. The research assistant will have access to a government
vehicle for work-related purposes. The research assistant is required to have liability and
collision insurance coverage, at specified levels, as well as a valid driver’s license.
Evening and weekend hours will be required at times to participate in Sanctuary events or
activities.
Period of Performance, Compensation and Benefits
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation is an “at-will” employer. The period of
performance for the initial contract is seven months, with the possibility of extensions as
funding allows. The research assistant is a full-time exempt position and the work is
expected to approximate a forty-hour (40) week. Compensation is comparable to the
range for similar positions within the NMSP (at the GS-7 to GS-9 level), and
commensurate with experience. The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation offers
employment and health benefits as part of the position, after a ninety-day introductory
period.
Application Process
Please mail, email or fax a one-page cover letter, resume with the contact information for
3 professional references, and a scientific writing sample to:
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary; Research Assistant
299 Foam Street, Suite D
Monterey, CA 93940
Email: admin@mbnmsf.org
(831) 647-4244 Fax
Electronic communications are preferred in Microsoft Word or Adobe Pdf formats
No phone calls please.
The position will remain open until filled.
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
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