Large Whale Biologist
Integrated Statistics is looking for a Large Whale Biologist to
work with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries
Science Center (NEFSC). The position supports the Protected
Species Branch. The position may begin with a period of remote
work to accommodate COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but will be
on-site in Woods Hole, MA after that.
The Large Whale Biologist assists with the collection and analysis
of aerial and shipboard survey data, including researching the
distribution of right whales and other large whale species in
relation to ecological conditions and human activities, and the
impacts of those factors on right whale behavior, health, population
dynamics, and ecology. The visual survey information collected by
NOAA is used to assist in the management of protected species,
evaluate the impacts of various human activities on the species, and
aid in education and conservation efforts.
Duties
The Large Whale Biologist will engage in these tasks:
- Participate in aerial surveys for right whales. Flight crew
responsibilities include visually scanning for whales from
bubble windows, recording sightings data on custom computer
software, and photographing whales for individual identification
using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens. Aircraft ditch
training is required.
- Participate in small vessel and shipboard surveys for right
whales. Vessel-based duties include visually scanning for
whales, photographing whales for individual identification,
collecting biopsy samples from select individuals using
crossbows, assisting with oceanographic and zooplankton
sampling, and supporting unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
operations. Small boat certification may be requested.
- Manage survey and photographic data. Data processing duties
include QA/QC of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data,
evaluating sightings relative to seasonal and dynamic management
areas, accurate and timely completion of summary spreadsheets
and survey reports, preliminary matching of right whale
individual identification images, and maintenance of data
processing programs and databases, including an R Shiny
application.
- Support scientific and management needs. Writing and policy
tasks include analyzing data and preparing presentations for
stakeholder meetings, environmental impact statements,
biological opinions, scientific manuscripts and stock assessment
reports.
- Assist with Protected Species Branch website content
development and maintenance, and engage in public education and
outreach activities.
- Perform additional occasional duties, such as assisting with
whale carcass relocation, supporting disentanglement efforts,
and assisting with whale necropsies.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource
management, marine biology, or a closely related field is
required. A Master’s degree is desirable.
- At least one full year of experience working on aerial and/or
shipboard surveys for right whales or other protected species.
Aircraft ditch training, boat trailering, and small boat
handling skills are desired.
- Experience with marine mammal visual survey data collection
and processing methods, including use of spreadsheets and Google
drives.
- Demonstrated programming and database skills, including
working with R (and R Shiny), PL/SQL, and Oracle are desired.
- Training and experience in statistical design and statistical
approaches for addressing scientific questions.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
(including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences
including technical, scientific, and the general public. A
writing sample may be requested.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Track record of success in telework/remote work conditions, and
at sea in potentially difficult conditions.
- Strong project management skills, ability to adapt to quickly
changing priorities and strict timelines. Attention to detail.
- Driver’s license and US passport.
This is a full time position for one year, with the possibility of
extension. The position is eligible for the benefits described on
the Integrated Statistics website. Some projects will require
travel, spending up to three weeks at a time at sea or away from
home, including abroad (primarily Canada). To apply for this
position, fill
out the online application )or visit
www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click
the job name and click the Apply Here link).
Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not
discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age,
color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender
identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification
protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its
obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to
taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment
qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled
veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans.
For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms,
and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office.
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Integrated Statistics, Inc.
16 Sumner Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Cell: (508) 648-8308
Office: (508) 540-8560
Fax: (508) 721-6841