Right Whale Ecology Program – Aerial Observer Position
The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking 1 - 2 aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2022 right whale survey season. Positions may start as early as Oct 15, 2021 and run through May 31, 2022. 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.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Participate in right whale aerial surveys by rotating through the three positions: observer/data recorder, observer/photographer, and ground contact
● Processing aerial survey data: entering and proofing data recorded during surveys, completing effort
and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals, updating in-house identification catalog, and preparing data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium● Familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols, as well as individuals of interest
Other responsibilities may include:
● Assisting program director, data manager, and/or flight coordinator with relevant projects
● Participation in vessel cruises and assisting interns
● Writing field notes to be shared with the public
● Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons
Minimum Requirements:
● Excellent attention to detail and organization skills
● 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
Preferred Qualifications:
● A college 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
We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season, occasionally on back to back days. Observers are sometimes 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 from 1 Jan though the end of May. This is a seasonal full-time paid position.
CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found on our website: coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/
Application process:
Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to employment@coastalstudies.org with the subject line: 2022 RW Aerial Observer Position
Deadline for submissions: Aug 22, 2021.
Human Resource Manager
5 Holway Avenue
Provincetown, MA 02657
t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113
Office Hours: Monday and Thursday 9:00-12:00
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