Coastal Resources Scientist 1-3

~ The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) is established as the single state entity with authority to articulate a clear statement of priorities and to focus development and implementation efforts to achieve comprehensive coastal protection for Louisiana. ~

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s mandate is to develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration Master Plan.

For the first time in Louisiana’s history, this single state authority is integrating coastal restoration and hurricane protection by marshaling the expertise and resources of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation and Development and other state agencies, to speak with one clear voice for the future of Louisiana’s coast.

Working with federal, state and local political subdivisions, including levee districts, the CPRA is working to establish a safe and sustainable coast that will protect our communities, the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and our bountiful natural resources for generations to come.

Position Overview

This position (Coastal Resources Scientist 1-3) is located at the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) in the Environmental Section, Studies and Environmental Branch, Planning and Research Division.

Function of Work:

To utilize regulatory and/or non-regulatory measures to create, restore, enhance, protect, and preserve the state's coastal wetlands, marshes, flood plains, and other natural resources vital to the state's economy and/or the safety of its citizens (private, public, institutional, industrial, and governmental), and to protect the citizens of Louisiana with hurricane flood protection measures. 

• Level of Work: Entry. 
• Supervision Received: Usually direct from a Coastal Resources Scientist Supervisor, but may receive supervision from higher level personnel. 
• Supervision Exercised: None. 
• Location of Work: State agencies involved in coastal science activities. 
• Job Distinctions: Differs from Coastal Resources Scientist 2 by the presence of entry level work.

Responsibilities

• Assists in making verbal presentations to higher level Coastal Resource Scientists and/or preparing written technical reports documenting field investigations, permit reviews, consistency reviews, enforcement reviews, or compliance reviews. 
• Assists in performing scientific searches, compiling and cataloging data, collecting field samples, analyzing data, and preparing reports and maps. 
• Assists with on-site scientific/technical ecosystem information gathering and analysis of data for the preparation of various position papers to be used in determining the best coastal restoration or hurricane protection projects for implementation.         
• Provides general information through written correspondence, arranging and preparing information for public meetings, hearings, workshops, symposiums, and etc., or by assisting in public awareness and education activities. 
• Conducts basic analyses of environmental data using computerized data base(s) or GIS. 
• Assists in the preparation of Coastal Use Permits, consistency authorizations, or enforcement actions; may draft permits for projects under close supervision. 
• Assists in reviews of local coastal programs and in providing pertinent information and technical assistance to the coastal parishes. 
• May be assigned scientific studies of very limited size and complexity, or assist in studies or programs of larger scope and complexity. 
• Assists in inventorying land uses, solid and hydrological and meteorological regimes, and obtaining and analyzing biological samples and data to determine which conditions may cause or be causing adverse impacts to coastal wetlands, marshes, flood plains, ecosystems, and other natural resources within these areas. 
• Assists in preparing technical reports, publications, and pamphlets relative to the protection, conservation and enhancement of coastal wetlands, marshes, and flood plain areas in Louisiana, and hurricane flood protection for the citizens of the state.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree in one of the following fields: agronomy; atmospheric sciences; biological sciences; chemistry; coastal resource management; ecology; engineering; environmental sciences; forestry; geosciences; landscape architecture; marine science; natural resource management or studies; oceanography; physical geography; planning; statistics; wetland management; or wildlife and/or fisheries science.
• The transcript must state that the applicant's major is in one of the specified fields. Baccalaureate degrees with majors in a field not listed above which included a heavy concentration in qualifying courses will not be considered qualifying. Some specific fields which are not qualifying are agriculture, anthropology, architecture, computer science, food science, mathematics, science education, and nuclear science.
• Any college hours or degree must be from a school accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies:  the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; the New England Commission of Higher Education; the Higher Learning Commission; the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Compensation