Coral Reef Ecologist, Research, Pristine Seas (Science & Innovation)

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission : to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries, and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

Within NGS, the Science & Innovation team is a department that oversees the Society’s grant making efforts in science, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Over the last fifteen years, Pristine Seas, National Geographic’s flagship ocean conservation program has helped to inspire the protection of 28 of the last wild places in the ocean, encompassing more than 6 million square kilometers of ocean. Additionally, we aim to cultivate and expand a network of best-in-class partners to build a community of support for protected areas. We are seeking a Coral Reef Ecologist, Research, Pristine Seas to support and scale our approach over the next five years

The Coral Reef Ecologist for Pristine Seas conducts high-impact scientific research in furtherance of the Pristine Seas’ mission. The candidate will conduct coral reef research on expeditions, support the production of high-quality scientific reports and publications, and provide input to inform decision-makers regarding the necessity of protecting the last wild places in the ocean

The Coral Reef Ecologist reports to the VP of Research and will be part of a cohesive, collaborative, and high-performing research team. They will contribute to the Pristine Seas research program by facilitating research planning for Pristine Seas expeditions, participating in field research expeditions, analyzing scientific data, and contributing to the writing of reports and peer-reviewed publications.

This is a fixed-term role through December 2030.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include :

Data Analysis and Reporting (50%)

Collaborate with scientists from around the world in the creation of high-impact scientific publications, which utilize Pristine Seas data and research to highlight the importance of these remote areas in better understanding how pristine ecosystems function.

Lead the production of at least one scientific publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals each year.

Lead the writing of at least one expedition scientific report per year.

Participate in conferences to report on Pristine Seas scientific findings, as agreed upon with the Executive Director.

Disseminate scientific information to a variety of stakeholders from academics, to government agencies, local communities, and school groups.

Marine Expeditions (40%)

Lead coral taxonomy surveys while on expedition.

Collaborate with VP of Research and Expedition Science lead to plan and participate in 1-2 expeditions per year.

Assist in development of expedition science plans.

Assist with operation and execution of existing pristine seas data collections methods as needed in the field.

Policy activities (5%)

Provide oral briefings, presentations, and written material to support Pristine Seas’ mission.

Provide content and review Pristine Seas policy documents, presentations, and briefing materials.

Programmatic Activities (5%)

Work with the Communications and Education teams to disseminate research

Assist in developing educational products in collaboration with the NGS Education department.

Support the purchasing of scientific gear and other administrative needs for the science team.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Masters Degree in relevant field preferred

PhD in Marine Biology or a related field from an R1 research university, is strongly preferred. Post-doctoral experience is preferred.

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

10 years of professional work experience in marine science and conservation.

Extensive publication record (30 scientific publications or more with at least five first authored).

Experience with non-profit, environmental, academic, and governmental organizations.

Experience participating in and / or leading scientific expeditions.

Experience working in remote locations for extended periods of time

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time, including both domestic and international travel

Broad understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation issues in the tropics

Knowledge of coral taxonomy in the tropical Pacific

Ability to convey complex scientific concepts to a broad range of audiences (, scientists, policy makers, public, students)

Ability to lead first-author scientific papers

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong teamwork ethic and ability to successfully work within a highly collaborative team environment

Strong quantitative analytical skills, competency in analytical software and methods, including R, QGIS, ArcGIS, GitHub, Microsoft Office

Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail

Strong leadership skills

Ability to anticipate problems and find creative solutions to challenging situations

Ability to take initiative on tasks that advance the team’s mission

Ability to work with minimal instruction and supervision

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment

Strong personal and professional integrity

Advanced scuba certification is essential with at least 500 dives

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Desired Qualifications

Expertise in coral reef ecology and conservation

Experience in underwater visual observation methods and analysis such as BRUV’s (baited underwater video).

Experience with deep sea research

Experience with eDNA collections and analysis

Experience in managing and analyzing large datasets

Experience in training and leading field surveys for ecological studies

Experience with and capacity sharing with local communities

Experience with scientific, governmental and non-profit organizations in the tropical Pacific

SCUBA Rescue Diver, Nitrox diver, CPR, first-aid, AED, and oxygen administration (Emergency First Response)

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $104,500 - $110,000.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Remote - Our Remote designation includes staff who must work in another location in the or abroad, such as our regional leads for our Education and International teams or regional fundraisers in Advancement. Staff may also be designated as Remote by their supervisors (with approval by the Senior Team lead) because of their job duties, and are afforded this status when it is beneficial to NGS, their respective team, and the employee.

Salary : $104,500 - $110,000