Research and Administrative Assistant (Contractor) – Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Position Overview

• Supervisor: Acting Superintendent, Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
• Status: Contractor through April 2027.
• Approx. Compensation: up to $6,400/month, based on an estimated 160 hours/month, and an estimated $40/hour.
• Anticipated start date: 10/1/2026.

What We Need

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Research and Administrative Assistant, a position responsible for operating as a key member of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) staff and working under the guidance of the sanctuary’s Acting Superintendent.

The sanctuary headquarters is located at Technology Park, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo and is the primary location of the sanctuary’s research, resource protection and government relations activities. The majority of tasks under this contract will be performed at the sanctuary facilities at Cal Poly Tech Park. Travel will be required within the adjacent counties of the sanctuary, California and potentially elsewhere depending on emerging requirements.

The position is needed to assist the team’s Research Coordinator/Marine Ecologist in a wide variety of administrative and research activities, program support functions, and logistical planning. Focus will be placed on: quantitative and qualitative data analysis, drafting summaries, reports, and communication, planning, organizing, and implementing meetings across knowledge systems, and other administrative duties, as needed. Qualified candidates are comfortable working with people across different knowledge systems, detail oriented, and hold high communication skills, take initiative, and have the capacity to implement direction.

The person will work directly with the Acting Superintendent and the Research Coordinator/Marine Ecologist to define a specific work plan based on the following general tasks. This work plan will be updated as needed.

What You Will Do

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support data management efforts including quantitative and qualitative analysis working with biological, physical, and chemical data with the ability to utilize statistical software to organize and interpret datasets.
• Develop data summaries, technical reports, and science-based outreach communication tools as needed to support sanctuary management and public engagement.
• Update CHNMS webpage sections related to research, science, and monitoring in coordination with the ONMS Communications Team.
• Assist with cruise planning and logistics. Support at-sea experiences and field activities by participating in research aboard sanctuary vessels and partner platforms.
• Lead the planning and organization of workshops and meetings, including preparing agendas, facilitating logistics, note taking and organization, synthesizing data, and producing post-workshop summaries.
• Provide strategic planning and programmatic coordination for CHNMS.
• Provide oversight and guidance to interns and fellows.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in marine science, oceanography, biology, natural resources, or socio-ecological or related fields and at least three years of relevant experience.
• At least two years’ experience in research operations, qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• At least three years of experience in logistical planning and coordination of workshops and meetings.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis; ArcGIS preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability and comfort working on boats.
• Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills.
• Experience producing plain-language communication materials.
• Experience in creating data visualization and storytelling toolkits.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and governments.
• Knowledge of an Indigenous language.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects.
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with the public and holds high personable and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries is a plus.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Hold a California state driver’s license.

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of the ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, education and public outreach activities, and by supporting research. Together, the Foundation and NOAA safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.

Application

Please submit your application package to the Foundation through C-STAAR – the Foundation’s Collaborative System for Tracking Activities, Awards, and Reporting – using the following link: https://marinesanctuary.smartsimple.com.

A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required.

More information: https://marinesanctuary.org/jobs-and-internships/