MARINE RESOURCE SCIENTIST II

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

December 03, 2024

Closing Date:

December 23, 2024 

Location:

West Boothbay Harbor

Position #:

07200-2716

Position Type:

Full Time (Limited Period)

Class Code:

9363

Grade/Salary:

Grade 28 (Supervisory) - $67,184.00 - $95,409.60 Per Year*
*(This includes the 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

The Department of Marine Resources is seeking to fill a limited period vacancy for a Marine Resource Scientist II out of their West Boothbay Harbor headquarters.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position serves as the lead hydrographer for the Maine Coastal Mapping Initiative (MCMI). MCMI acquires seafloor and marine habitat information including bathymetry and backscatter data, sediment information, fauna type and abundance, and water column data. MCMI data are acquired and processed to meet National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey bathymetry standards to update nautical charts and are submitted to NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information.

This position conducts a major research project with considerable initiative, including supervision of support staff. Responsibilities of this position include planning, coordinating, and conducting bottom mapping surveys designed to aid in the marine planning, management, and development of marine resources for the State of Maine. The lead hydrographer is responsible for designing sampling and surveys, field collection of multibeam echosounder bathymetric and backscatter data (using Kongsberg EM2042) on contracted survey vessels and developing data analysis methodologies. The position is responsible for integrating and maintaining survey equipment, sonar data QA/QC, statistical validation, processing, hydrographic reporting, and data packaging and submission to federal data portals. Specifically, this position uses QPS software for data acquisition and processing. This position prepares and interprets seafloor data and models for Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification System (CMECS) coding, assists with development of marine geologic modeling, and leads the writing of technical reports and scientific publications in collaboration with the project manager. This position conducts periodic review and revisions of MCMI protocols and other related analyses, and product development, as requested by the Department. This position is responsible for supervising a Marine Resource Scientist I position and helps train and work alongside seasonal contracted employees on vessels and in the laboratory.

Primary tasks also include statistical and spatial analyses of program data and the development of report material for submission to funding agencies, public dissemination of results, and publication in the peer-reviewed literature. This position will be asked to contribute to budget development and writing competitive grant applications. This position may also be asked to participate in regional councils, boards and associations as designated by the Department.

For information specific to the position, please contact Jesse Minor at: jesse.minor@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Intermediary education, training, or experience in a scientific, technical, engineering field, or a related field with demonstrated experience in the field of marine resource research and/or management or another related field. Previous experience in a supervisory capacity is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Knowledge of acoustic theory, experience operating and maintaining multibeam sonar systems, and experience processing multibeam data is required. Familiarity with project design related to hydrographic surveys and project management experience is required. Experience with spatial and statistical analyses is preferred. There is a preference for a candidate with background in geology, as well as the knowledge and ability to apply for competitive grant opportunities. Demonstrated skill with MS Office products, R, MS Access, SQL, and ArcGIS is strongly preferred. This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

_______________________________________________________________

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.