Research Associate, Aquaculture Social Scientist

$80,000 - $92,500/Yr

On Assignment - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Seattle, WA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Research Associate, Aquaculture Social Scientist position at ECS Federal, LLC involves conducting social impact analyses related to aquaculture as part of NOAA Fisheries' efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture development. The role focuses on evaluating social trade-offs and public perceptions to support the identification of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The position requires collaboration with various NOAA offices and stakeholders to develop tools and methodologies for assessing social impacts and ensuring community support for aquaculture initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct social impact analyses focused on aquaculture to evaluate social trade-offs and potential issues.
• Develop and apply tools to measure and evaluate social impacts of aquaculture at national and regional scales.
• Collaborate with NOAA's Office of Aquaculture and other stakeholders to link social science with siting analysis tools.
• Identify and apply social impact and trade-off analyses to NEPA processes, including environmental justice assessments.
• Advise NOAA's Office of Aquaculture on data collection needs for AOA management and aquaculture siting.

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience in social impact assessment in applied aquaculture, fisheries, natural resources, agriculture, or related fields.
• Experience in trade-off analysis in applied aquaculture, fisheries, natural resources, agriculture, or related fields.
• Experience in quantitative computational methods using various sources of data.
• Experience in qualitative social science research methods, including developing and analyzing data collection instruments.
• Experience with modeling perceptions and tolerance of potential risks associated with aquaculture.
• Familiarity with NEPA and its requirements.
• Attention to detail and timely execution of work deliverables.
• Knowledge of or experience in Alaska coastal communities.
• Public trust security clearance and U.S. Citizenship.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public communications and outreach related to aquaculture.
• Familiarity with community engagement strategies in environmental projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $80,000 - $92,500 per year.
• Telework options available 3-4 days per week.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.