Marine Ecologist

Summary

The National Park Service is seeking a Marine Ecologist to lead a coastal, estuarine, and marine ecology program supporting Everglades restoration and resource management. This position provides scientific leadership for marine research, monitoring, restoration, and management at Everglades National Park. Learn more at National Park Service.

Duties

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Southeast Region, Everglades National Park, South Florida Natural Resources Center, in Key Largo, FL. The major duties include but are not limited to: Leads marine and estuarine ecological research, monitoring, and assessment programs to support resource management and restoration decisions. Plans and evaluates marine restoration projects and assesses impacts to fisheries, seagrass, coral communities, and other marine resources. Serves as a senior technical advisor on marine ecology, Everglades restoration, resource management, and applied science issues. Coordinates with scientists, agencies, universities, and partners to develop research priorities and advance marine resource conservation. Supervises scientific staff and manages program operations, budgets, contracts, safety, performance, and workforce development.

Qualifications

This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. This position requires English language proficiency. You must be able to read, write, and speak English to be considered for this position. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not receive further consideration. To qualify for this position, you must meet both of the following education requirement (IOR) and specialized experience: Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): To meet this requirement you must possess a degree in biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. You must include all transcripts with your application. Specialized Experience: In addition to the above IOR, to qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience performing scientific work directly related to coastal, estuarine, or marine ecology, including: conducting marine or estuarine ecological research, monitoring, or resource management activities; analyzing and interpreting ecological data to identify trends or changes in marine resources; assessing the status, trends, or environmental conditions of marine species, habitats, or ecosystems using scientific data; evaluating marine or estuarine restoration or resource management projects to determine their effects on marine resources or ecosystem conditions; and coordinating scientific activities with researchers, resource managers, partner organizations, or other stakeholders. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 10/16/2026. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: The work includes both office and field activities and may involve moderate to heavy physical exertion. Field activities may include boating and scuba diving and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Work Environment: Work is performed in both office and field settings. Field work may involve boating, flying, and scuba diving and may require extended exposure to high heat and humidity, biting insects, severe weather, and other potentially hazardous conditions.

Education

This position has a mandatory education requirement, please read the Qualifications section to ensure you meet this requirement. Transcripts must be submitted with your application, please read the Required Documents section for more information on this requirement.