Marine Protected Area Specialist - Short term Position in Biodiversity and Taxonomy

Marine Protected Area Specialist - Short term Position in Biodiversity and Taxonomy

SUMMARY: The Huntsman Marine Science Centre (www.huntsmanmarine.ca) is expanding its capacity within its Aquatic Biosciences department. We are seeking to fill a Marine Protected Area Specialist position in Biodiversity and Taxonomy to work with a dynamic team of technicians and research scientists. The successful individual will assist in a project studying the impact of closed areas in South-West New Brunswick on biodiversity and commercial species. This area has been identified as potential candidates for a Marine Protected Area. The objectives of the project are: 1) To collate information on the impacts of closing areas to mobile bottom gear fisheries. This will focus on local fisheries and species and habitats of conservation importance; 2) Conduct baseline surveys of areas that might be considered for closure; 3) Develop a monitoring strategy for closed areas focused on biodiversity and commercial species. We currently have funding for a six-month position, but we will work on applications for further funding during the project.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The position is a 100% research appointment with salary within Huntsman Marine guidelines on a fiscal year basis plus benefits, including health care, annual and sick leave. Funding is secured for the initial six months, and we hope to secure funding for a longer period.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research: 60%

• Conduct a literature review and write a report on the impacts of closing areas to mobile bottom gear fisheries. This will focus on local fisheries and species and habitats of conservation importance.
• Conduct baseline surveys of areas that might be considered for closure.
• Develop a monitoring strategy for closed areas focused on biodiversity and commercial species.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical techniques and interpret results.

Presentation of Research Results: 35%

• Cooperate as co-author on related publications involving Huntsman Marine colleagues and project collaborators.
• Present results at scientific meetings.
• Dissemination to all public stakeholders, including industry, government, and coastal and Indigenous communities.

Fieldwork: 5%

• Participate in fieldwork related to the project. This will include ROV surveys and suitably qualified candidates can take part in scientific diving.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. or MSc in Marine Management, Marine Biology or Zoology by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate with colleagues and contribute to multidisciplinary research.
• Demonstrated experience (1-2 years) with research focused primarily on marine ecosystems.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to perform assigned duties that may require work in adverse environmental conditions.
• Present ability to legally work in Canada given the timeline involved.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with conducting and analyzing marine surveys.
• Experience or knowledge relating to marine protection or fisheries.
• Experience of relevant marine monitoring techniques such as ROV surveys or scientific diving.

APPLICATION: Applications are being accepted immediately with the position anticipated to begin by September 1st, 2025. Applicants should indicate current citizenship status. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority given the timeline for this project.

Send single electronic submission with cover letter, CV and three references (including e-mail and telephone number) to:

HR Office
Huntsman Marine Science Centre
1 Lower Campus Road
St. Andrews, NB
E5B 2L7
Email: [email protected]