Vacancy Announcement:
Science Director, Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI)
Cordova, Alaska
For further information about OSRI and the Prince William Sound Science
Center, visit these web sites: http://www.pws-osri.org or
http://www.pwssc.gen.ak.us
Application Deadline: 1 August 2003
Summary Description:
The Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI) was established through
Congressional legislation as a research entity focused on prevention and
response to oil pollution in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. A 16-member
Advisory Board composed of public, fishing and oil and gas industry,
native and state and federal representatives determines OSRI policies
and program directions. The OSRI awards grants to conduct research,
carry out educational projects, and carry out demonstration projects,
all of which are designed to deal with oil spills in Arctic and
sub-Arctic marine environments. The Science Director works with the OSRI
Advisory Board to develop annual plans and strategic plans, and then
implements the annual program plans approved by the OSRI Advisory Board.
The Science Director works closely with the OSRI Director who is also
President of the Prince William Sound Science Center (PWSSC).
The OSRI was founded in 1992 following passage of federal legislation.
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 with amendments in 1996 and 2002
established the OSRI and stated its functions
- To identify and develop the best available techniques, equipment and
materials for dealing with oil spills in the Arctic and sub-Arctic
marine environment; and to
- Complement Federal and State damage assessment efforts and determine,
document, assess and understand the long range effects of Arctic or
sub-Arctic oil spills on the natural resources of Prince William Sound
and its adjacent waters, and the environment, the economy, and the
lifestyle and well-being of the people who are dependent on them.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare annual work plans in consultation with the annually appointed
Work Plan Committee. Compile information about potential projects, write
brief project descriptions, and prepare project budget estimates.
- Work with the OSRI Director on annual budget planning for OSRI
programs.
- Present a recommended work plan to the OSRI Director and Advisory
Board at the fall Board meeting.
- Implement the work plan as approved. Develop requests for proposals
based on the Annual Work plan priorities, and coordinate the peer review
process with OSRI's Scientific and Technical Committee.
- Determine the award of contracts under $25,000, and recommend medium
award contracts ($25,000 ˆ 100,000) to the Scientific and Technical
Committee. Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures of the
OSRI Grant Policy Manual.
- Coordinate the processing of contracts for successful proposals.
Monitor progress and final report deadlines for these contracts.
- Communicate with the OSRI Advisory Board on a regular basis
concerning program issues and contract awards.
- Collaborate with the OSRI Director to develop and maintain
cooperative agreements with other organizations for research and
education programs, for example with the Exxon Valdez Trustee Council,
two Regional Citizens‚ Advisory Councils, and the Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation.
- Work closely with the OSRI Director on issues related to contract
management, information sharing and promotion of OSRI. The OSRI Director
is also President of the Prince William Sound Science Center, the
administrating entity for the OSRI (see Title V, Oil Pollution Act of
1990, U.S. Congress).
- Periodically present technical papers for OSRI at national and
international workshops and symposia on oil pollution related issues.
- Maintain files and a library on oil pollution issues focused on the
Arctic and Sub-Arctic.
- Provide leadership in planning future research programs and work
plans.
- Prepare technical reports and journal articles on OSRI programs.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. preferred or Masters degree and minimum of two years professional
experience in an appropriate discipline related to OSRI's mission.
Experience in research administration and planning with superior writing
skills required. Good organization and communication skills. Candidates
preferred who hold degrees or experience in the chemical, ecological or
marine sciences and/or oil pollution related issues. Candidates having
general knowledge of Alaska and oil pollution issues in the Arctic and
sub-Arctic may also be given preference. Applicants must be U.S.
citizens or permanent residents.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary negotiable, dependent on experience. Reasonable relocation
expenses will be provided. Benefits include health insurance and
accrued vacation time.
Application process & deadline:
Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume by no later than August
1, 2003. Application must include reference to publications or other
evidence of scientific accomplishment and leadership. Also include the
names and contact information for 3 references who are not family
members and who are familiar with your professional career. Address
these materials to Nancy Bird, OSRI Science Director Vacancy, P.O. Box
705, Cordova, AK 99574. Applicants are encouraged to submit these
materials in electronic format (PDF, Word or Word Perfect files) to
frontdes [at] pwssc.gen.ak.us.
Offices of the Oil Spill Recovery Institute are located at the Prince
William Sound Science Center in Cordova, Alaska. The Science Director
will primarily work in Cordova, although travel is required to consult
with members of the Scientific and Technical Committee, the OSRI
Advisory Board and other experts on oil pollution research issues.
For further information about the Oil Spill Recovery Institute and the
Prince William Sound Science Center, visit these web sites:
http://www.pws-osri.org
or
http://www.pwssc.gen.ak.us
Contact: Nancy Bird, bird [at] pwssc.gen.ak.us
For further information about Cordova, visit
http://www.cityofcordova.net