Marine Global Earth Observatory Director
Apply NowCompany: U.S Government
Location: Edgewater, MD 21037
Description:
Marine Global Earth Observatory Director
Application Deadline: 8 May 2025
Department: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Edgewater, MD
Reporting To: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Director
Compensation: $142,488 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: April 17, 2025
CLOSING DATE: May 8, 2025
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Edgewater, MD
Position sensitivity and risk
Example: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants or Unit Only or SI Only
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian Institution invites applications for the position of Director of the Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) program. MarineGEO is a global network of 24 current observatories and many international project partners, led by the Smithsonian, that conducts coordinated large-scale research to understand the changing structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems and how to sustain them. The candidate should be a distinguished mid-career biologist or environmental scientist with an outstanding record of productivity and demonstrated experience in inspiring and leading international collaborations in marine ecological or marine environmental science.
The Director will lead continued growth of the MarineGEO network and research program, strengthen existing and emerging partnerships with complementary programs internationally, and build and steward MarineGEO's collaborations and relationships with the broader ocean research community across the Smithsonian's scientific units. The MarineGEO Director will report to the Director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and the Smithsonian's Undersecretary for Science and Research (USSR).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
As part of your application, you must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing (1) your interest in the position, (2) your vision for growing MarineGEO's global network, (3) your experience with coordinating large-scale, international research and teams, and (4) your strategy, experience, and success related to fundraising.
This is a permanent, full-time appointment as a Smithsonian Trust employee at the IS-14 level, with a competitive salary, paid leave, health, vision, dental, and other benefits. Proof of authorization to work in the U.S. is required, but international applicants are welcome. This is not a federal position.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact WattC@si.edu or CoyleB@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
Application Deadline: 8 May 2025
Department: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Edgewater, MD
Reporting To: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Director
Compensation: $142,488 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: April 17, 2025
CLOSING DATE: May 8, 2025
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Edgewater, MD
Position sensitivity and risk
Example: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants or Unit Only or SI Only
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
- Complete a Probationary Period.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian Institution invites applications for the position of Director of the Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) program. MarineGEO is a global network of 24 current observatories and many international project partners, led by the Smithsonian, that conducts coordinated large-scale research to understand the changing structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems and how to sustain them. The candidate should be a distinguished mid-career biologist or environmental scientist with an outstanding record of productivity and demonstrated experience in inspiring and leading international collaborations in marine ecological or marine environmental science.
The Director will lead continued growth of the MarineGEO network and research program, strengthen existing and emerging partnerships with complementary programs internationally, and build and steward MarineGEO's collaborations and relationships with the broader ocean research community across the Smithsonian's scientific units. The MarineGEO Director will report to the Director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and the Smithsonian's Undersecretary for Science and Research (USSR).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Director will, working with network members and stakeholders, develop an updated vision and strategy for MarineGEO.
- The Director will provide scientific and administrative leadership of MarineGEO's globally distributed research program, inspiring and catalyzing interdisciplinary research programs linking marine ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. This includes working productively and regularly with MarineGEO's Executive Committee, Smithsonian and unit leadership, and network partners.
- The Director will advance use of the latest technologies in remote sensing, in situ monitoring, and AI tools in the MarineGEO network.
- The Director will lead stewardship and strategic growth of MarineGEO's network of collaborating research partners and observatories, and the budgetary base required to support these activities.
- The Director will provide fundraising leadership for MarineGEO's global research program by developing and implementing extramural funding strategies that include both successful competition for public grant opportunities and cultivation of philanthropic support.
- The Director will oversee administration of MarineGEO's Central office and staff of four current FTEs based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, along with extramurally funded post-doctoral fellows, interns, and other support staff.
- The Director will ensure that MarineGEO's work addresses on the ground management and conservation needs and support for wise management of coastal marine life and resources across the network.
- The Director will build and steward partnerships with complementary programs worldwide, such as the Coastal Carbon Network and Marine Invasions group based at SERC, the Ocean DNA program at the NMNH, the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network, the Global Ocean Observing System, and marine-centered federal agencies.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Doctoral degree or equivalent level of specialized experience in a relevant field of natural resources management, environmental, social, or interdisciplinary sciences.
- Distinguished record of research productivity in marine ecology, biodiversity science, conservation, or related subject area, including demonstrated leadership in collaborative marine or environmental science.
- Strong record of success in obtaining research funding from competitive grants, contracts, and philanthropic sources.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and organizing teams and coordinating large-scale, research projects and teams.
- Excellent communication skills at all levels, including with internal and external collaborators.
As part of your application, you must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing (1) your interest in the position, (2) your vision for growing MarineGEO's global network, (3) your experience with coordinating large-scale, international research and teams, and (4) your strategy, experience, and success related to fundraising.
This is a permanent, full-time appointment as a Smithsonian Trust employee at the IS-14 level, with a competitive salary, paid leave, health, vision, dental, and other benefits. Proof of authorization to work in the U.S. is required, but international applicants are welcome. This is not a federal position.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact WattC@si.edu or CoyleB@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.