Marine Mammal Biologist - Vandenberg SFB, CA

Position Location Vandenberg Space Force Base, Lompac, CA Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional Position Yes Posting Number 202302128AP Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib II Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week 40 Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000 - $60,000 Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service.
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Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 01/01/2024 Description of Work Unit CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU).
CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands.
We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship.
We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.
To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit https://www.
cemml.
colostate.
edu/ Position Summary A Marine Mammal Biologist position is available with Colorado State University and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) to be located at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB).
The successful candidate will serve as a Marine Mammal Biologist who will support VSFB and CEMML by monitoring and assessing the VSFB coastal populations of marine mammals.
Pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) are the primary species to be monitored.
The primary objective is to assess the populations for potential adverse impacts of rocket launches.
All work will follow protocols and requirements in compliance with several Letters of Authorization (LOAs) from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Monitoring and assessment occur via two key methods: 1) annual population trend analysis, accomplished by 10-12 surveys conducted monthly, and 2) monitoring of individual rocket launches.
VSFB is preparing for a significant increase in launch frequency and, as such, additional marine mammal monitoring support is required.
In addition to pinnipeds, the Marine Mammal Biologist will be required to conduct surveys for sea otters.
These have historically been completed by state of California or U.
S.
Geological Survey biologists but will now be completed by the CEMML Marine Mammal Biologist.
Methodology and protocols will follow what has been used by previous biologists.
Expected Tasks: Twice per month, conduct pedestrian surveys of key pinniped haul-outs on both North and South VSFB.
Three sites in the north (LF-06, Lion Head, South Spur Road) and 6 sites in the south (Harbor, Small Haul-Out 2, Harbor Seal Beach, Amphitheater, South Rocky Point, North Rocky Point) shall be surveyed biweekly.
These should, when possible, be scheduled in conjunction with afternoon low tides.
If necessary, permits are obtained, aerial photography from UAVs would be allowed and encouraged, especially for Rocky Point.
High powered binoculars and spotting scopes shall be used.
North base surveys can be conducted by an individual; South base surveys should be completed by two individuals, for safety purposes.
In the attached IGE, this is calculated as 84 six-hour days (12 solo days, north base; 12 two-person days for sea otters, 24 two-person days for south base pinnipeds), plus 36 hours annually for reporting).
Once per month, survey Purisima Point (and south to Spur Road or Wall Beach), Harbor and Sudden Flats for Southern Sea otters.
Informally report findings monthly, with more formal reports quarterly and a detailed annual report (no later than 30 January for the year concluding 31 December).
Acoustic recording of as many as 15% of launches through the year (note: individual launch proponents will be required to monitor at least the first three launches of any new rocket type or from any new launch facility).
As technology improves, contractor shall investigate and field test survey techniques during night and other low-light conditions.
Other tasks and duties may be assigned to support other CEMML program areas at VSFB.
Reporting requirements: No later than 30 January of each year, a written report must summarize results of all surveys, including statistical trends.
The report shall be in standard scientific reporting format, to include Executive Summary, Introduction, Methods and Materials, Results, Discussion and Literature Cited.
The report should also include Management Recommendations and any changes recommended to methodology.
VSFB is approximately 100,000 acres of land that is spread across North Base and South Base.
This position will carry a large amount of responsibility to ensure all appropriate and accepted methodologies are being followed, work is being completed within a reasonable timeframe, and to coordinate directly with the Natural Resource manager at VSFB.
This position is supervised by the CEMML Lead Wildlife Biologist at VSFB.
Field work will require traversing a beautiful, variable, steep, and difficult landscape.
There is poison oak found in many drainages on VSFB.
Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to manage poison oak risks, if the Marine Mammal Biologist is required to work in those habitats.
There are many Threatened and Endangered species (flora and fauna) found on VSFB that will need to be respected.
A capable field vehicle and proper rescue equipment will be provided.
The landscape at VSFB is varied and beautiful.
It is a privilege to explore and survey the terrain on this gorgeous military installation.
Office work will include sitting at a desk for long hours to: manage monitoring data; analyze trends of marine mammal data; write annual summary reports; coordinate with CEMML, VSFB, and contractor natural resource staff; and support routine reporting for the Cooperative Agreement between CEMML and VSFB.
Colorado State University offers a generous benefits package including 24 days of paid vacation leave, tuition credits, excellent health insurance (including vision and dental), and retirement plans with 12% matching.
For more information on Administrative Professional benefits, visit https://www.
hrs.
colostate.
edu/benefits/.
Required Job Qualifications A Master’s degree in marine biology with a focus on mammals, or a similar field that is related to this position.
OR a Bachelor’s degree in marine biology with a focus on mammals, or a similar field that is related to this position, with 3 years of professional experience.
Experience identifying marine mammals.
Experience with scientific data collection.
Experience writing technical reports (thesis, literature reviews, survey/monitoring annual reports, etc.
).
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.
S.
by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications 3+ years working with marine mammals and/or marine biology Prior experience monitoring pinnipeds and/or sea otters Prior experience working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team Prior experience working along rough and rugged coastlines Prior experience working on a military installation Experience with 4wd and off-road driving Diversity Statement Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties Job Duty Category Field Work Duty/Responsibility Field work includes travelling by foot, vehicle, and possibly.
The purpose is to monitor marine mammal populations along the coastlines of VSFB.
Field conditions will be challenging at times and safety around seaside cliffs is paramount.
There is inherent risk in the field work which may include coming into contact with poison oak, wildlife, challenging terrain, and low visibility due to fog.
Percentage Of Time 40 Job Duty Category Office Work Duty/Responsibility Office work includes sitting at a desk for extended periods, GIS work, and writing, among other potential related tasks.
Percentage Of Time 40 Job Duty Category Coordination/Planning Duty/Responsibility Meetings with CEMML, VSFB Federal Staff, contractors, and project stakeholders/proponents will be required.
All meetings will be to coordinate on the project and plan for the project.
Percentage Of Time 15 Job Duty Category Reporting Duty/Responsibility Produce monthly/quarterly progress reports following a standard set of guidance provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Annual project reports will be required.
A final technical report will be required.
Percentage Of Time 5 Application Details Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire.
Apply no later than January 1st, 2024 for full consideration.
Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.
doc), PDF (.
pdf), or Rich Text Format (.
rtf).
Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.
A complete application consists of: Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
Resume References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals.
If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Special Requirements/Other - Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance.
Furthermore, candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal backgro Search Contact Chris Herron, Chris.
Herron@colostate.
edu EEO Statement Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker.
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