Marine Habitat Mapping Researcher

Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated, well rounded, marine scientist/geographer with strong GIS skills to fulfill a multifaceted role, contributing to marine habitat/bathymetric mapping using airborne LiDAR, multibeam sonar and other advanced imaging methods in Palau.

Job Title:  Marine Habitat Mapping Researcher

Location:  Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau (western Pacific)

Salary:  Full-time position, salary negotiable dependent upon qualifications

Duration:  One year, with option for renewal. 

Program Details: CRRF is a non-governmental organization incorporated in the U.S. and Republic of Palau dedicated to research and education on coral reefs and other tropical marine environments, and has been doing coastal and offshore oceanographic research in Palau since 1994.  Over the past 4 years CRRF has conducted bathymetric surveys to map the entirety of Palau’s outer reef slopes and inner lagoons from 0 – 8000 m water depth. The next phase of this project is the development of a habitat map for the entirety of Palau’s marine ecosystems and deployment of drone systems for the collection of LiDAR data. Refinement of the present bathymetry/topographic database and mapping is also an important component of the work. The successful applicant will be based in the Republic of Palau; all nationalities are welcome to apply.

Essential Duties:

• Participate in the development of marine habitat map products through traditional and innovative methods, including the development of other mapping products when required.
• Conduct field work to conduct habitat baseline assessments.
• Assist in the flight operations and maintenance of heavy lift (5 kg) aerial drones.
• Co-author maps, reports and publications, and disseminate public information of research results to the scientific and general community.

 Qualification Requirements:

• MSc or equivalent experience in marine science or related field.
• Expertise with ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, essential.
• Knowledge of tropical Pacific marine ecosystems.
• Familiarity with marine mapping including coordinate transformations and survey
  methods.
• Experienced scuba diver (minimum Advanced/Rescue).
• Experience operating heavy lift drones.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience with managing large data sets and producing reports and publications.
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving capabilities.
• Comfortable and physically fit enough to take part in long days in the field.

 Additional Preferred Qualifications: 

• FAA Part 107 drone license
• MATLAB, image processing, and machine learning
• Habitat Remote sensing
• PhD in marine science or related field

Period of Hire:  One - two year contract

Salary Range: Salary negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications.

Position reporting to:  Dr. Patrick Colin, Director of CRRF, Project Principal Investigator

To Apply:  Applicants should submit a resumé, including names/contacts of three references, and cover letter by email to crrfpalau@gmail.com. 

CRRF and Project Information:  Further information on the Coral Reef Research Foundation
can be found at coralreefpalau.org
https://coralreefpalau.org/projects/bathymetric-mapping/
https://coralreefpalau.org/education/posters/
https://linktr.ee/coralreefresearchfoundation

This project is funded by the US Dept. of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs program: Coral Reef Natural Resources/Invasive Species.