Large Whale Survey Biologist
Integrated Statistics is looking for a Large Whale Biologist to
support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS). The Northeast Fisheries
Science Center
The Large Whale Biologist assists in the collection and
analysis of aerial and shipboard right whale survey data,
including studying the distribution of right whales in relation to
human activities and the impacts of those activities on right
whale behavior, health, population dynamics, and ecology. The
primary responsibilities of this position focus on conducting
aerial surveys and working with the resulting data.
Duties
The Large Whale Biologist is engaged in these tasks:
- Participating 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.
- Participating in small vessel and shipboard surveys for right
whales, as needed. Shipboard 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.
- Managing 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.
- Supporting management needs. Duties include analyzing data and
preparing presentations for stakeholder meetings, environmental
impact statements, biological opinions, etc. Additional duties
may include assisting with whale carcass relocation, supporting
disentanglement efforts, assisting with whale necropsies, and
helping prepare stock assessment reports.
- Public outreach. Duties include assisting with Protected
Species Branch website content and maintenance, and helping with
public education and outreach activities.
Qualifications and Skills
- At least one full year of experience working on right whale or
related aerial survey projects.
- Familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection
and processing methods, including use of spreadsheets and Google
drives.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
(including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences
including technical, scientific, and the general public.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong project management skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Adaptability to quickly changing priorities and strict
timelines.
- US citizenship and ability to comply with EO 14042.
Aircraft ditch training and small boat handling experience are
desired but not required; however, ditch training will be required
to conduct the work. SQL and R programming skills desired but not
required. Familiarity with marine mammal acoustics desired but not
required.
This position is full-time for one year. The position requires
fieldwork and travel. Some projects will require the Biologist to
spend up to three weeks at a time at sea or away from home,
including in Canada. The rate of pay will depend on skills and
experience, and the position is eligible for the benefits
described on the Integrated Statistics website. To apply for this
position, go to
https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=303
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