Right Whale Aerial Observer
Center for Coastal Studies North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey Observer Job Announcement
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a non-profit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal right whale aerial observer from January 2023 through May 2023. Observers will be flying surveys to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season, occasionally on back to back days. Observers are often required to work on weekends and holidays, often for long hours in a small aircraft and/or aboard a research vessel.
Housing will be provided. This is a seasonal full-time salaried position. Salary will range from $1480 to $1528 biweekly, depending on qualifications and experience.
Details of our work can be found on our website: coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/
Primary Responsibilities:
- Participate in right whale aerial surveys by rotating through the three positions: observer/data recorder, observer/photographer, and ground contact
- Process aerial survey data: enter and proof data recorded during surveys, complete effort and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals, update in-house identification catalog, and prepare data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium
- Familiarize oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols, as well as individuals of interest
Other responsibilities may include:
- Assist program director, data manager, and/or flight coordinator with relevant projects
- Participate in vessel cruises and assist interns
- Write field notes to be shared with the public
- Finalize data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons
Minimum Requirements:
- Excellent attention to detail and organization skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Proficient with DSLR cameras in a variety of lighting conditions
- Experience in species-identification of marine mammals, particularly in the Northwest Atlantic
- Demonstrated knowledge of photo-identification of individuals
- Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable
- Ability to work in small aircraft for up to 9 hours per day with continual focus
- Must not suffer from air sickness
- COVID-19 vaccination required
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences
- Previous aerial survey and/or right whale experience
- Working knowledge of R, iMatch, and/or Mysticetus software
- Aircraft ditch and EBS training within the last five years
- Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn
How to Apply:
Please email your cover letter, CV/resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references as a single PDF to bmckenna@coastalstudies.org with the subject line: 2023 RW Aerial Observer Position.
Deadline for submission: September 16th, 2022.