POSITION SUMMARY
The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting with our ongoing marine mammal research in Hawai’i, Australia, and throughout the Pacific. This position reports to the Sr. Research Biologist and is based at Pacific Whale Foundation headquarters in Maui, Hawai’i, where the majority of our research takes place. In addition, approximately 90-120 days of fieldwork might be spent in Australia each year, if required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Data entry
and archival tasks
- Data
processing and analysis
- Data quality
control
- Photo-identification,
matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins
- Maintenance
of photo-id catalogs
- Integration
of disparate data (photographs, attribute data, and geospatial information)
into a relational database (e.g., Discovery, Access)
- Data
collection in the field on board our research vessel and/or PWF vessel fleet
- Skipper and
trailer the research vessel
- Maintenance
of research equipment
- Written
preparation of publishable materials, for which appropriate credit will be
given under the supervision of the Senior Research Scientist and Chief
Scientist
- Train other
PWF employees and teach classes as needed for Eco-U
- Participate
in Ultimate Whalewatch, Whale Day, Great Whale Count, and other events as
needed
- Temporal
re-location to any of our various field sites (e.g. Australia), for extended
periods, as needed
- Assistance
with public outreach programs (e.g. interpretive education programs and
fund raising)
- Supervision
of volunteers and/or interns
- Training of
staff and/or interns
- Further
duties may be assigned as necessary according to the needs and requirements of
the Research Department. Supervision and direction will be provided by the
Senior Scientist and the Chief Scientist (Greg Kaufman)
REQUIREMENTS
- Graduate
degree (such as M.Sc. or Ph.D. in marine biology or related field) and a
minimum of 5 years of experience working in the field with marine mammals
(preferably odontocetes and/or mysticetes), or equivalent combination of
education and experience
- Knowledge of
database management, GIS software, and statistics (preferred)
- Excellent
knowledge of field techniques, including photo-identification procedures and
methodologies
- Experience
in driving small vessels, around marine mammals would be a plus
- Experience
with scientific writing, such as journal articles and reports
- Ability to
take initiative when working independently or as part of a group
- Excellent
creative problem-solving skills
- Willingness
to learn new skills and procedures quickly and train others in their use
- Ability to
communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to
work long hours in office and field
- Enthusiasm
and a positive attitude
- A sociable
and team-oriented spirit
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TO APPLY
Please send your resume and cover letter to: applications@pacificwhale.org no later than July 22, 2015. Applicants must be available to start work on Maui in August.
All applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or be legally permitted to work in the U.S.
We offer great benefits and employee perks, so come join our team!
--
Human Resources Team
