Right Whale Aerial Survey – Aerial Observer Positions

Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown MA USA

The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking two aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2017 right whale survey season. Observers will work with the aerial survey team, which operates between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying surveys over Cape Cod Bay; To assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic Right Whales in Cape Cod Bay.

Primary responsibilities include:            
- Participation in aerial surveys as either the data recorder or photographer.  
- Processing of aerial survey data: Entering data recorded during surveys, filling in data tables throughout the season, photo analysis, matching photographs taken on surveys to known, catalogued individuals, updating in--house identification website, helping to prepare data for submissions to the New England Aquarium.
- Keeping up with current issues in right whale monitoring, particularly familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols. 
 
Other responsibilities may include:
- Assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant projects.
- Updating in-house photo catalog
- Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons. 

Requirements:

• A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences (required).
• Aerial survey experience including photography (required).
• Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs (required).
• Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable (required)
• Must not suffer from air sickness (required).

 

Proficiencies:

• Experience with digital SLR cameras.
• Basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word (required) for data entry.
• Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn.

We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and for long hours in a small plane.

 

Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a 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 at the following links:
Habitat program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm

Aerial program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm

Application process:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to srichardson@coastalstudies.org . The closing date for applications is October 31, 2016. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Please use "Aerial survey observer position" in the subject line of your email.